MP BJP rallies in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur under 'Save Democracy' campaign
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Madhya Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced large-scale rallies across Bhopal, Indore, and Jabalpur targeting participation of around one lakh people under its 'Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy' campaign. The move comes as the ruling party escalates its political confrontation with the Indian National Congress (Congress) over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and what the BJP describes as threats to democratic institutions.
What the Campaign Entails
The announcement was made by Madhya Pradesh BJP president Hemant Khandelwal following a meeting of the party's Core Committee held at Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's residence on Monday, 26 October 2026. 'Large-scale rallies will be organised in Bhopal, Indore and Jabalpur, with a target of around one lakh participants,' Khandelwal said. Beyond the three cities, programmes are also planned at all district headquarters across Madhya Pradesh to amplify the campaign's message statewide. The specific dates and venues of the proposed rallies have not yet been announced.
The Electoral Roll Dispute Driving the Campaign
The BJP's mobilisation drive is set against a sharpening dispute over the Special Intensive Revision of Madhya Pradesh's electoral rolls. The Congress has raised concerns that the revision exercise could compromise electoral transparency and has demanded accountability over the process. The BJP, in turn, is using the campaign to build a counter-narrative, framing the Congress's objections as an assault on democratic institutions. This is not the first time electoral roll revisions have become a flashpoint in the state — similar disputes have surfaced ahead of earlier assembly election cycles.
Core Committee's Key Decisions
The Core Committee meeting — attended by state BJP in-charge Biplab Kumar Deb, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan (former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh), and senior Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, among others — covered a wide agenda beyond the rally campaign.
On the Rajya Sabha vacancy from Madhya Pradesh, Khandelwal said four to five names — including potential candidates from within and outside the state — were deliberated upon. The committee agreed to prepare a shortlist and forward it to the party's central leadership for a final decision.
The committee also discussed preparations for programmes marking the birth anniversary of tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda on 15 November. A proposal to link one Member of Parliament (MP) to each Union ministry was considered to improve coordination between the state government and the Centre, with the aim of maximising Madhya Pradesh's share of central scheme benefits.
Other Resolutions and Proposals
The Core Committee passed a resolution condemning Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late father. The Uniform Civil Code was also discussed. Additionally, the committee considered a proposal to make details of the work of ministers, MLAs and MPs available on a public portal — a move the BJP is likely to frame as part of its accountability narrative as the state government approaches three years in office.
What Comes Next
With rally dates still to be confirmed, the BJP's organisational machinery is expected to go into overdrive across the three cities and at district-level venues. The campaign's outcome will be a barometer of the party's grassroots mobilisation strength in Madhya Pradesh ahead of what is expected to be a politically charged period in the state.