MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan Exclusive Interview: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday in an exclusive interview to India TV said "some people are conspiring to spread riots in the state, including Congress Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh. People like him instigate others."
Curfew was clamped in Khargone on Sunday evening following incidents of arson and stone-pelting during Ram Navami celebrations. Police have so far arrested 121 people in connection with the violence.
"There have been minor incidents in Khargone in the past as well but this time it turned violent. We identified the rioters and today they are behind the bars. People who indulged in riots will not be spared," Chouhan told India TV Senior Executive Editor Saurav Sharma.
"Many houses were set ablaze by rioters. Why shouldn't action be taken against such people?" Chouhan asked while questioning the parties which are doing politics over the violence. He also justified the demolition of 'illegal structures' belonging to those allegedly involved in the recent violence in Khargone. Chouhan assured that the houses torched by the rioters will be re-constructed by his government, but those who set them on fire will not be spared.
CM Chouhan told India TV, his government has freed 21,000 acres of land from mafias using bulldozers. "This land will be distributed among the poor," he added. The CM slammed AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi for his criticism over the violence in Madhya Pradesh, and asked him to visit the state to see for himself that all are safe and secure in the state irrespective of their caste and religion.
He appealed people to maintain peace and harmony. Nobody should bother about their security and honour, but if someone indulges in riots, then Mama (as Chouhan is popularly called) will not spare. The stern action against rioters will continue," the chief minister said earlier.
Chouhan also criticised senior Congress leader and former chief minister Digvijaya Singh for posting false pictures on social media. Police have registered FIRs against Singh for allegedly promoting religious enmity after he tweeted a picture of a mosque in another state while commenting on communal violence at Khargone. Asking people to celebrate all festivals, including Hanuman Jayanti, Good Friday and Eid, with enthusiasm and harmony, Chouhan said, "My government is with all of you."
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