Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Thursday pressed the Central government to call a meeting of all political parties and farmers' organization to discuss the farm laws which he said had created a sense of fear among the peasantry. Regarding protests by farmers against the new agricultural laws, Baghel told the media that any action against the farmers has to be condemned.

The government should hold talks with farmers’ representatives. Since the laws were made, fear prevails in the minds of farmers. They are also not sure of the future, he said. Under these circumstances, the Centre should hold talks with all political parties and farmers' bodies, he added.He was speaking at the Swami Vivekananda Airport after arriving from Gujarat where he took part in the last rites of senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel."His loss is irreparable and also to me personally," said Baghel. The Chief Minister also termed the state BJP as a "factory of rumours". Last year, till a fixed date, the paddy procurement at minimum support price was done. Paddy was also procured from the remaining farmers after that date.He was reacting to allegations by the BJP of non-procurement of paddy after issue of tokens last year.

Baghel said during BJP rule paddy procurement was done from 12 lakh farmers. Now the number is 19 lakh farmers. “They (farmers) believe us. That is why the number and area have shot up. Farmers did not have faith in BJP. That is why they did not sell the paddy.”A meeting with district Collectors was held on Thursday to ensure smooth procurement, he said, adding the farmers should not face any problem.On the visit of K. Vijay Kumar, Senior Security Advisor to the Union government, Baghel said he will meet the state Home Minister. After that only anything can be said.

He said a probe was on into the custodial death in Surajpur. Those found guilty will face action. “We do not hide but during the BJP government several custodial deaths were covered up."