Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday, 14 May held back-to-back meetings with key Union ministers in New Delhi, covering a wide agenda that included preparations for Simhastha 2028, the proposed Ujjain airport, anti-Naxal operations, irrigation, agriculture, urban development, and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Yadav described the engagements as pivotal to the state's development roadmap.

Law and Order: Anti-Naxal Push and New Criminal Laws

In his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Yadav briefed him on ongoing anti-Naxal operations and development initiatives in Dindori and Balaghat districts. He specifically highlighted the peace-building and infrastructure measures being driven by security forces and the district administration in these regions.

The two leaders also discussed the rollout of new criminal laws, reinforcing law and order mechanisms, and integrating technology-driven policing across the state. Yadav extended an invitation to Shah to visit Balaghat, and according to the Chief Minister, Shah appreciated the state government's efforts in the region.

Simhastha 2028: World-Class Infrastructure on the Agenda

Yadav met Union Minister Manohar Lal to review preparations for Simhastha Mahakumbh 2028 in Ujjain. He said the state has already commenced work on infrastructure development, traffic management, urban expansion, and civic amenities for the mega religious event.

'With the aim of giving the upcoming Simhastha Mahakumbh in Ujjain a world-class stature, the state government has already begun working on infrastructure development, urban expansion and traffic management,' Yadav said. Discussions also covered Smart City projects, sanitation under the Swachhata Mission, and urban planning. Yadav additionally highlighted Madhya Pradesh's achievements under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

Ujjain Airport and Air Connectivity for Religious Tourism

In his talks with Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, Yadav pressed for expediting the proposed Ujjain airport project, citing the rapid growth of religious tourism linked to the Mahakal Lok precinct and the upcoming Simhastha.

'Given the rapidly expanding scope of religious tourism in Ujjain and the Mahakal Lok precinct, the expansion of air connectivity is absolutely essential,' Yadav said. The discussions also touched on the proposed Ujjain-Indore Metropolitan Planning Authority, regional infrastructure development, tourism growth, and new air routes. Yadav said the state is working to establish Madhya Pradesh as a premier religious and tourism destination nationally.

Agriculture and Irrigation: Record Wheat Harvest, River Interlinking

Meeting Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, Yadav sought an increase in the wheat procurement target for Madhya Pradesh, pointing to a record harvest season. 'Madhya Pradesh has witnessed a record harvest this year, with over 7.5 million metric tonnes of wheat already procured,' he said.

The two leaders discussed the PM Kusum Yojana, solar energy expansion, irrigation projects, affordable power supply to farmers, and the Betwa-Parbati-Kalisindh River Interlinking Project — a long-pending initiative with significant implications for water security across central India.

Uniform Civil Code: Committee Constituted, Stakeholder Consultation Planned

On the Uniform Civil Code, Yadav confirmed that the process has formally begun in Madhya Pradesh. 'A committee has been constituted for this purpose, and the committee's preliminary meeting has already taken place,' he said. He added that the government would seek inputs from all sections of society, communities, and relevant stakeholders before finalising the framework.

The flurry of ministerial meetings signals Madhya Pradesh's intent to accelerate several high-profile state and central projects simultaneously, with Simhastha 2028 serving as a key deadline driving infrastructure timelines.