Ashok Chavan leads Cong's fast in Maha against BJP govt

Congress leaders and workers in Maharashtra today observed a day-long fast at all district headquarters against caste violence, communalism and the non-functioning of Parliament, for which the UPA major blamed the ruling BJP.

The party workers observed fast to voice their protest against the BJP government and to promote communal harmony and peace across the country.

State unit president Ashok Chavan led the party workers in observing the fast in Parbhani district.

"Secular and social fabric of our country is under grave threat due to policies of the present Modi government. We at Maharashtra Congress stand committed to cherish peace and harmony," Chavan said in a tweet.

Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam sat on a fast in the metropolis.

Former Union Home minister Sushilkumar Shinde undertook the hunger strike in Solapur and Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil in Nashik.

Senior party leader Balasaheb Thorat sat on fast in Ahmednagar, while Vilas Muttemwar led the protest in Nagpur, the hometown of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The party sources said leaders, office-bearers and workers were observing fast at about 40 places in different parts of the state.

"The BJP government's vicious stand has threatened harmony in the society across the country. To maintain it, Congress leaders will observe token fast at the party's respective district headquarters across the state. I will personally observe fast in Parbhani district," Chavan had tweeted last night.