Madhya Pradesh: During campaigns for assembly polls, Congress had alleged BJP of irregularities on two critical issues – the Manadsaur police firing on farmers and plantation of 6 crore saplings on banks of Narmada valley.
The incident has taken place exactly two months after victory of Congress government in the assembly elections.
Digvijaya Singh shocked and surprised by comments of Home Minister Bala Bachchan and Forest Minister Umang Singhar told media sources, “Home Minister and Forest Minister has given BJP a clean chit.”
“Home Minister in his response has justified firing on farmers of Mandsaur which I can’t accept,” he added.
He further added, “Home Minister has denied of any irregularities on plantation of 6 crore saplings on banks of Narmada valley under the Shivraj Singh Chauhan administration.”
“I’ve walked 3,100 kilometres and I know the corruption that has took place. Forest Minister had no reason to defend BJP,” concluded Digvijaya Singh.
Bachchan gave the Mandsaur statement in reply to queries raised by Congress MLA Harsh Vijay Gahlot.
“On June 6, 2017, police firing at Bahi Chaupati on Mhow-Neemuch Road in the absence of executive magistrate, was done by complying to SOP for self-defence. It was to protect government and private property. The order was given by SDM Malhargarh, Sharavan Bhandari in Pipliya Mandi,” said Bachchan.
On government action on the Justice Jain report, Bachchan said, “The report is being reviewed and appropriate legal action will be taken after examining the findings.”
“The administration wasn’t aware of their demands and did not make any effort to find out. But, the district administration wasn’t in a position to address demands that farmers should get better prices or a loan waiver. Thus, police firing on June 6 was necessary and legal,” the report said.
Whereas, AICC Chief Rahul Gandhi visited Mandsaur in June 2018 and said, “Those who fired at the farmers in Mandsaur shouldn’t be spared.”
Similarly, Congress had all along alleged that there were irregularities in the plantation drive, but minister Singhar said in the House on Monday: “The state government has not found any irregularity or misappropriation of funds during the plantation drive on the banks of holy river Narmada. The department has issued instructions to examine the condition of saplings planted on July 2, 2017. There is no question of investigating the matter.”
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