New Delhi, June 29: The Congress on Monday intensified its attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in Madhya Pradesh, alleging that Chief Minister Mohan Yadav was involved in an alleged land deal controversy and demanding his resignation along with an independent judicial investigation into the matter.
Addressing the issue, Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh alleged that the chief minister was responsible for what he described as a “massive land scam” and asserted that the party would continue its campaign until accountability is ensured. He maintained that the Congress would press for Yadav’s resignation, arguing that it was necessary for a fair examination of the allegations.
The controversy stems from a recent media report claiming that members of the chief minister’s family and their associated real estate firms acquired a significant number of land parcels in Ujjain after December 2023. The report alleged that several of the properties were located in areas expected to benefit from proposed infrastructure projects and changes in land-use regulations.
Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari also questioned the chief minister’s continued silence over the issue. In a social media post, he said the Congress had given the chief minister time to respond publicly to the allegations but claimed no direct clarification had been issued so far.
Patwari stated that while ministers, party leaders and government representatives had responded to the controversy, the public was awaiting an explanation from the chief minister himself. He urged Yadav to address the allegations directly and present his version before the people.
The Congress leader further said that if the media report was inaccurate, the government should challenge it through legal means. If the allegations were baseless, he added, documentary evidence should be made public to clear any doubts.
Warning of further political action, Patwari announced that the Congress would organise a “Corruption Meeting” on June 30 if no response was forthcoming. He also said the party would launch a statewide “Jawab Do” campaign aimed at seeking answers from the government on behalf of the people.
The Congress has simultaneously demanded a judicial inquiry headed by a sitting Supreme Court judge into the reported land transactions. Party leaders have also questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the allegations, calling for greater transparency and accountability.
The BJP, however, strongly rejected the Congress’s allegations and accused the opposition of attempting to create a political controversy without evidence. The ruling party responded by alleging that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and his son, Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge, were themselves involved in questionable land acquisitions in Karnataka. BJP leaders also questioned why the Karnataka government had not initiated action in those cases.
As the political exchange intensified, both parties traded allegations over land-related issues, with each side demanding accountability from the other. The controversy is expected to remain a major political issue in Madhya Pradesh in the coming days, with the Congress preparing to expand its campaign while the BJP continues to dismiss the accusations as politically motivated.
No official statement responding directly to the Congress’s latest allegations had been issued by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav at the time of filing this report.