Political heatwave in MP: FIR against CM

Bhopal, Nov 15 (UNI) In a day of dramatic political developments in Madhya Pradesh, the Lokayukt Police registered an FIR against Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the much-debated dumpers' purchase case.

A local special court had directed the Lokayukt to initiate an inquiry, and submit a report by December 14, into purchase of dumpers in the name of Mr Chouhan's wife Sadhana Singh.

While the main opposition Congress staged a demonstration here demanding the Chief Minister's resignation and party cadres courted arrest, Mr Chouhan's ministerial colleagues expressed confidence in him and urged him to continue in office.

Superintendent of Police (Lokayukt) K K Lohani confirmed the FIR against the chief minister, his wife, JP Associates Director Sunny Gaud, the principal secretary (mines) and Rewa's regional transport officer (RTO).

The Congress workers' demonstration was led by Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Jamuna Devi. ''One lakh workers courted arrest across the state,'' claimed the party's state General Secretary Manak Agrawal.

''Ms Devi, MLA Arif Akil and about 600 workers were arrested under section 151 of the Indian Penal Code and later released,'' said Superintendent of Police Jaideep Prasad.

After a cabinet meeting this afternoon, 27 ministers reached the chief minister's residence, expressed faith in his leadership and urged him to continue in office.

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