MP BJP legislator plans protest fast over law and order

BHOPAL: Resentment is brewing in the ruling BJP in Madhya Pradesh following denial of Cabinet berths to a number of aspirants who have been lately questioning the style of functioning of the Chief Minister Shivraj Shingh Chouhan.

After senior party MLAs Lal Singh Arya, Dhal Singh Bisen, Kailash Chawla and Lovkesh Singh, it is now the turn of the local party MLA and spokesman Umashanker Gupta to target the CM and his government.

Gupta has announced a sit-in near the CM's residence to protest what he called deteriorating law and order situation.

"I will observe a fast for three days from September 4 at Polytechnique Square (near the CM's residence) to protest against the deteriorating law and order situation in the state capital," Gupta told here on Saturday.

"Despite writing several letters to the Chief Minister, Home Minister and Director General of Police, no improvement was noticed in the law and order situation in Bhopal where incidents of loot, chain-snatching, dacoity and murder were on the rise," he alleged.

Gupta's move indicates the rising dissidence in the BJP following denial of ministerial berths to many aspirants. Chouhan expanded his cabinet late last month, first such exercise by him after becoming the CM two years ago.

Gupta, an MLA from Bhopal South, said during his fast (which starts on Krishna Janmashtami), he would perform 'yagna' seeking wisdom for Bhopal police to maintain law and order.