MP CM sits on fast, calls it off after PM''s assurance

Bhopal, Feb 13 (PTI) Madhya Pradesh Chief MinisterShivraj Singh Chouhan today sat on fast in support of hisdemands for the BJP-ruled state but called it off minuteslater following an assurance from the Prime Minister.

"On the assurance of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh thatall issues concerning Madhya Pradesh will be sorted out soon,and the advice of BJP central leadership, I am calling offthis fast launched in support of the farmers whose crops havebeen affected by frost and (on) several other issues," he toldparty workers at Dusshera Maidan here.

Among other things, Chouhan had demanded an additionalfinancial package for the farmers in the state.

Explaining the reasons for calling off the fast,Chouhan said that during his meeting with Governor RameshwarThakur earlier in the day, he got a telephone call from thePrime Minister, assuring him that all the issues raised by himwill be sorted out soon.

Singh also told the Chief Minister that he hasauthorised Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek SinghAhluwalia to hold discussions with the State. The firstmeeting will be held on February 20 in New Delhi, Chouhansaid.

"This meeting will be arranged within a week. Let mealso take this opportunity to thank you for acceding to myrequest not to proceed on the fast," the Prime Minister said.

The Chief Minister said that he told the PrimeMinister during the telephonic conversation that he had takenthe decision of undertaking fast with "a heavy heart" as allhis earlier pleas had not elicited any response.

Chouhan mentioned the demands such as provision ofadequate coal for power generation in the state, allocation offunds under Indira Awas Yojna and supply of foodgrains for BPLfamilies. .