Bhopal, April 3: The President of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee, Jitu Patwari, has announced that the party will protest on the streets regarding the dire situation of farmers and the government’s handling of their issues. This announcement comes in light of serious questions raised about the recent disqualification of Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti from the Datia assembly.
During a press conference, Patwari stated that the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi had granted Bharti 60 days to seek justice. However, the Assembly Speaker, Narendra Singh Tomar, abruptly terminated Bharti’s membership by opening the assembly secretariat at midnight. Patwari described this action as a blatant violation of democratic processes.
He further criticized the government for its double standards, highlighting that while a case regarding paid news against Narottam Mishra is pending, no action has been taken.
Discussing the plight of farmers, Patwari claimed that the state is celebrating a “Year of Farmer Welfare,” which he termed a “Year of Farmer Exploitation.” Farmers across the state have faced long queues for fertilizers, resulting in scuffles, police action, and even fatalities among the elderly, while the government continues to deny any fertilizer shortages.
Referencing a report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), Patwari pointed out that only 50% of the allocated funds for farmers have been utilized, raising questions about the government’s intentions.
He also noted that the government is delaying wheat procurement under the pretext of war, despite the fact that 10 crore gunny bags were needed in 2026, yet only 2.6 crore were applied for. This shortfall of approximately 7.5 crore bags is indicative of the government’s gross negligence.
Patwari highlighted the ongoing extensions of the wheat procurement dates, which have moved from March 16 to April 1, and now to April 10, with further delays likely. This mismanagement has forced farmers to sell their produce at significantly lower prices, leading to nearly 50% of farmers becoming defaulters.
In response, the state Congress president announced that the party will stage protests in various markets across the state in support of farmers. Congress workers in Bhopal will observe a day of fasting and hold a sit-in outside the residence of the Agriculture Minister to amplify the farmers’ voices.
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