Bhopal, Dec 9 (NationPress) Congress activists organized protests across multiple districts in Madhya Pradesh, including Bhopal, on Tuesday, demanding the resignation of BJP leader and Minister of State Pratima Bagri. This call for her resignation comes after her brother was apprehended with ganja (marijuana) in Satna district on Monday.

Minister Bagri's brother, Anil Bagri, along with his associate, Pankaj Singh, was taken into custody in Satna. Law enforcement reported the recovery of 46 kg of marijuana from their possession.

The illegal substance was allegedly concealed in sacks of paddy at Pankaj's home in Marounha village.

Authorities stated that the confiscated marijuana is estimated to be worth Rs 9.22 lakh. Additionally, the vehicle involved in the drug trafficking is linked to another suspect, Shailendra Singh Rajawat, who remains at large.

The arrests follow closely on the heels of Minister Pratima Bagri's brother-in-law, Shailendra Singh, being detained in Banda, Uttar Pradesh, with 10.5 kg of marijuana.

Shailendra is already incarcerated in Banda jail for a separate NDPS case and had previously faced arrest in Satna for allegedly trafficking narcotic cough syrup in a scheme valued at approximately Rs 5.5 crore.

With both the minister's brother and brother-in-law now implicated in distinct narcotics cases, the opposition Congress has intensified its demand for her to step down from her ministerial role.

State Congress president Jitu Patwari remarked that one after another, BJP leaders or their close family members are being implicated in drug trafficking activities in Madhya Pradesh.

“Over the last 20 years under BJP governance, Madhya Pradesh has become a focal point for drug trafficking. Prior to the connection with Pratima Bagri's relatives, BJP minister Vishwas Sarang was found tied to the Bhopal Machhli gang, yet they are being protected by the BJP,” Patwari stated.

When confronted by reporters during a review meeting in Khajuraho about her relatives’ alleged involvement in drug trafficking, Minister Pratima Bagri visibly reacted with irritation, replying, “Zabardasti ki baat kyun karte ho tumlog?” (Why do you talk unnecessarily?)

However, later addressing the media in Bhopal on Tuesday, Bagri distanced herself from the matter, asserting that she has no obligation to withdraw support for them.

She accused the media of fabricating a narrative to tarnish her image.

“Before spinning a narrative, media personnel should ascertain the facts. I have no ties with them. It is the media that has labeled him my brother,” Bagri commented.

However, when questioned about her act of tying Rakhi to Anil Bagri and posting numerous photographs on her social media if he is not her brother, Minister Bagri chose not to respond and quickly departed the scene.