Silence on OBC reservation, tribal rights, farmer distress, and soaring stamp duty  

 

Following the conclusion of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly’s Monsoon Session, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar has strongly criticised the Government, accusing it of deliberately avoiding crucial public interest issues. Speaking to reporters in Bhopal, Singhar stated that the Government’s intentions throughout the session were anti-people, and it consistently shied away from discussing significant matters raised by the Opposition. Singhar highlighted that the Opposition repeatedly demanded discussions on vital subjects such as OBC reservation, but the Government remained silent.

 

He termed this a matter of social justice and called the government’s stance extremely unfortunate. Tribal Rights, Youth Unemployment and Farmer Distress: Addressing tribal-related issues, Singhar alleged that the Government was also unwilling to discuss matters concerning tribal rights, forest rights, and land-related cases. He claimed that influential individuals, in collusion with forest officials, were illegally felling trees, which directly impacts the lives of tribals and the environment. Singhar affirmed that the opposition’s struggle would continue. On the issue of unemployment, the Leader of Opposition stated that the Government shows no intention of regularising Jan Seva Mitras, contractual teachers, and guest faculty, leading to continuous injustice against the State’s youth. Regarding farmers’ problems, Singhar noted that farmers across the state are queuing for fertilisers, yet the Government remains oblivious to their plight. He urged the Chief Minister to personally visit farmers and understand their ground realities. Soaring Stamp Duty and Deteriorating Law and Order: Singhar also pointed to the sharp increase in stamp duty, ranging from 100% to 400%, stating that this move has burdened common citizens with inflation. Questioning the law and order situation, Singhar asserted that it has completely collapsed in the State, yet the Chief Minister is unwilling to relinquish charge of the Home Department.

 

He accused the government of running a ‘police state’ by filing false cases and demanded the repeal of the ‘Dacoity Act’ in Chambal. Metropolitan Bill and Procurement Irregularities: Regarding the Metropolitan Bill, Singhar stated that no bill was introduced, nor was there any discussion, on declaring Jabalpur, Gwalior, and Rewa as metropolitan areas. He raised concerns about compensating farmers at market value for the acquisition of millions of hectares of land if Bhopal and Indore are designated as metropolitan cities. Referring to alleged irregularities in moong procurement, Singhar said that while the Government initiated procurement on the opposition’s demand, deficiencies in registration and other anomalies indicate the Government’s dubious intentions. Pradeep Mishra Case and Shortened Session: On Pandit Pradeep Mishra case, Singhar acknowledged Mishra as a scholar but emphasised that the law is supreme. He stated that events like ‘rudraksh’ distribution following a death cannot be permitted, demanding immediate action against those responsible for violating regulations in this matter. Singhar also questioned the Government’s decision to shorten the Monsoon Session, arguing that a few days are insufficient for a State with a population of 90 million. He concluded that despite the limited time, the Congress party effectively raised public interest issues with full vigour.