Is Chhindwara Drama a New Low for MP Congress?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Congress protests highlight agricultural issues.
- Fertiliser shortage impacts farmers' livelihoods.
- Unconventional tactics draw attention to serious concerns.
- Political dynamics in Madhya Pradesh are shifting.
- Chhindwara remains a critical constituency for Congress.
Bhopal, Aug 20 (NationPress) In a dramatic turn of events, the Congress party staged a protest in Chhindwara, voicing concerns over the plight of tribal communities and the ongoing fertiliser crisis in Madhya Pradesh as the sowing of 'kharif' crops reaches its peak. Instead of delivering a memorandum to the local collector, they handed it over to a dog, capturing widespread attention.
Among the participants were notable Congress figures, including state chief Jitu Patwari and Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar, with the protest led by Nakul Nath, son of former Chief Minister Kamal Nath.
During the protest, a remarkable scene unfolded as Congress leaders chose to tie the memorandum around a dog's neck rather than presenting it to any government official at the Chhindwara district administration.
When party workers arrived at the Chhindwara Collector's office to submit their grievances regarding the hardships faced by farmers and tribal residents, they found Collector Shailendra Singh absent.
In a twist, the memorandum was tied to a dog, and the protest continued outside the Collector's office. A video circulating on social media shows tribal leader Umang Singhar holding the dog with the papers attached. Jitu Patwari and Nakul Nath were also present in the scene.
Congress workers engaged in heated discussions with security personnel deployed at the protest site.
“Farmers in Madhya Pradesh are struggling to obtain fertiliser for their crops, while the BJP government provides little assistance. When Chhindwara farmers protested, they were met with police violence and false charges,” stated state Congress chief Jitu Patwari.
Former MP Nakul Nath condemned the BJP state government for filing FIRs against farmers protesting the fertiliser shortage and black-marketing, arguing that the government treats farmers like “criminals.”
Recently, over 130 farmers in Chhindwara were booked by police for protesting against the lack of Urea fertiliser.
According to Congress leaders, the police charged these farmers as anti-social elements.
Chhindwara has historically been a stronghold for the Congress party, with CM Kamal Nath winning nine Lok Sabha elections from this constituency. His son Nakul Nath was also elected as an MP in 2019, but in a surprising turn, the BJP secured all 29 Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh in 2024.