MP LoP Umang Singhar questions SIR process, slams BJP for calling protesters a 'mob'
Synopsis
Madhya Pradesh LoP Umang Singhar took on the BJP government on multiple fronts — from branding anti-SIR protesters a 'mob' and stonewalling EVM reform demands, to inflated investment claims and alleged ULB corruption. His press conference signals that the opposition is sharpening its attack well ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Key Takeaways
Umang Singhar , MP Leader of Opposition, questioned the SIR electoral roll revision process and EVM use at a press conference in Bhopal on 23 October 2026 .
He accused the BJP government of calling anti-SIR protesters a 'mob', defending citizens' right to democratic dissent.
Singhar demanded transparency on investment claims made after Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's visits, asking how much had actually materialised on the ground.
He raised concerns about delayed semiconductor projects and the employment situation of 25 lakh-plus youth registered on government portals.
He alleged irregularities in urban master plan preparation and corruption in procurement by Urban Local Bodies .
Madhya Pradesh Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar on Friday, 23 October 2026, launched a multi-pronged attack on the state's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, questioning the legitimacy of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, demanding a return to ballot papers over Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and accusing the ruling party of branding democratic protesters as a 'mob'. Singhar made the remarks at a press conference in Bhopal.
SIR Controversy and EVM Demand
Singhar challenged the BJP government to explain why it was refusing to respond to mounting demands for elections conducted through ballot papers instead of EVMs. He also took sharp exception to the characterisation of citizens protesting against alleged irregularities in the SIR of electoral rolls as a 'mob', asserting that citizens had every right to raise their voices in defence of their rights and democracy.
'The Congress represents the voice of ordinary citizens,' Singhar said, adding that the party stood firmly with those raising concerns about electoral integrity. The SIR process, overseen by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, has drawn sustained protests in recent weeks, with opposition leaders alleging it is being used to manipulate voter lists ahead of future elections.
Investment Claims Under Scrutiny
Singhar also turned his sights on the Madhya Pradesh government's investment record, questioning whether the headline figures cited by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had translated into real economic activity on the ground. 'After Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's visits, claims are made about investments worth lakhs of crores of rupees, but it should be made clear how much investment has actually materialised on the ground,' he said.
He specifically questioned the timeline and employment potential of semiconductor projects that have been announced but are yet to become operational, and sought accountability for the more than 25 lakh youths registered on government employment portals who are still awaiting jobs.
Urban Master Plans and Alleged Corruption
The Leader of Opposition raised concerns about alleged irregularities in the preparation of urban master plans, criticising the limited time given to residents and stakeholders to file objections and suggestions. He demanded that farmers, traders, and civil society be given adequate time and open forums to present their views before any plan is finalised.
'Master plans should be prepared after taking public opinion into account, and adequate time should be given to file objections and suggestions,' Singhar stated.
He went further, alleging rampant corruption in government procurement by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), and demanded that Chief Minister Yadav clarify whether the alleged graft was occurring under his administration's watch. 'Is this corruption happening under his protection?' he asked pointedly.
What Comes Next
The BJP government had not issued a formal response to Singhar's allegations at the time of reporting. With the SIR process and EVM debate continuing to generate political heat, and opposition pressure mounting on investment deliverables and urban governance, the ruling party is likely to face sustained scrutiny in the coming weeks as the state's political season heats up.
Point of View
Economic credibility, and urban governance simultaneously. The 'mob' remark, if widely circulated, could become a liability for the ruling party; opposition movements have historically gained traction when governments are seen dismissing mass protests rather than engaging with them. The investment deliverables question is equally telling: Madhya Pradesh has repeatedly led investor summits but struggled to convert MoU-level commitments into jobs on the ground. The EVM-versus-ballot-paper demand, while well-worn, continues to resonate with a base that remains sceptical of digital voting infrastructure. What the BJP does next — engage, ignore, or counter-attack — will shape the political narrative in the state for the months ahead.
NationPress
23 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls that Singhar is questioning?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process conducted by the Election Commission to update and revise voter lists. Madhya Pradesh LoP Umang Singhar and opposition leaders allege that the current round of SIR overseen by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar contains irregularities that could affect the integrity of voter data.
Why did Umang Singhar accuse the BJP of calling protesters a 'mob'?
Singhar alleged that the BJP government labelled citizens protesting against alleged SIR irregularities as a 'mob', which he described as an attack on democratic rights. He argued that citizens have a legitimate right to raise concerns about electoral processes and that Congress stands with them.
What investment accountability did Singhar demand from Chief Minister Mohan Yadav?
Singhar demanded a breakdown of how much of the investment announced after Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's outreach visits had actually been deployed on the ground, including the status of semiconductor projects and jobs created. He also asked for an update on employment for over 25 lakh youth registered on state government portals.
What are the allegations regarding Urban Local Bodies in Madhya Pradesh?
Singhar alleged corruption in government procurement by Urban Local Bodies and questioned whether Chief Minister Yadav's administration was allowing it to persist. He also raised concerns about insufficient time being given to stakeholders to object to urban master plans before their finalisation.
Has the BJP government responded to Singhar's allegations?
The BJP government had not issued a formal response to Singhar's allegations at the time of reporting. The ruling party is expected to address the charges as the political debate around SIR, EVMs, and investment deliverables intensifies in the state.
