Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday, 29 July announced the formation of a four-member ministerial panel to hold formal talks with agitating farmers demanding procurement of moong at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), as the protest intensified in Bhopal. The development came after over 2,000 farmers, led by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), marched into the state capital following a 'Kisan Kranti Padayatra' from Barkheda in Narmadapuram district.

Composition of the Ministerial Panel

Chief Minister Yadav confirmed the committee's formation while speaking to reporters. The panel includes Agriculture Minister Aidal Singh Kansana, Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh, Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Vishvas Sarang, and Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Gaur, along with senior officials. They are tasked with meeting representatives of farmer organisations to address the impasse.

'I have constituted a committee to engage in dialogue with the farmers regarding issues concerning them. Yesterday too, I sent Agriculture Minister Aidal Singh Kansana to speak with the farmers,' CM Yadav said.

What the Farmers Are Demanding

The protesting farmers, primarily mobilised by the BKS, are pressing for immediate procurement of moong at MSP, a legal guarantee for MSP, adequate availability of fertilisers, and fulfilment of earlier promises made to the farming community. On Tuesday, the protesters attempted to march towards the Chief Minister's residence but were stopped by police. Agriculture Minister Kansana held preliminary discussions with farmer leaders that day, though no breakthrough was reported.

Government's Position

CM Yadav struck a conciliatory tone while also urging restraint. 'The government is continuously working in the interest of farmers. Their constructive suggestions will be heard, but we must also ensure that the public is not inconvenienced. We must find a way forward by balancing both interests. I hope the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh and all farmer organisations will engage in dialogue for the larger good, leading to a resolution,' he said.

Opposition Fires Back

The protest has drawn sharp political reactions. Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari said the farmers' arrival in Bhopal reflected 'widespread resentment' against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. 'Thousands of farmers are on the streets of the capital with genuine demands, but the government is maintaining silence instead of listening to them,' Patwari said, calling for immediate talks and concrete decisions.

Former Chief Minister Kamal Nath also criticised the ruling dispensation, stating: 'Selling crops at the MSP is every farmer's right. Yet, far from granting them this right, the BJP government is not even willing to engage in a dialogue with them.' The BJP government has maintained that it is committed to resolving the matter through structured dialogue.

What Comes Next

With the ministerial committee now formally constituted, the focus shifts to whether the talks will yield concrete commitments on MSP procurement — the central demand of the agitation. The outcome will be closely watched as the moong procurement issue has rapidly emerged as a significant political flashpoint in Madhya Pradesh ahead of any future electoral cycle.