Congress demands judicial probe into Ujjain land deals linked to CM Mohan Yadav
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Congress leaders on Tuesday, 23 June escalated their attack on Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, demanding a Supreme Court-monitored judicial investigation into land acquisitions in Ujjain allegedly linked to his family. The demand follows media reports claiming that members of the CM's family acquired multiple acres of land in Ujjain — land that critics say stands to benefit from upcoming state infrastructure projects.
What the Reports Allege
According to media reports, the land in question was acquired by members of CM Yadav's family in and around Ujjain, with the parcels reportedly positioned to gain in value from planned government infrastructure development in the region. The state government has not officially responded to the specific claims.
What Congress Leaders Said
State Congress President Jitu Patwari called the allegations a 'huge stain on the face of Madhya Pradesh,' saying the Chief Minister 'is completely in the dock' and must answer to the '8 crore people of the state and to the country.' Patwari also sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding that 'a sitting judge of the Supreme Court should conduct an investigation into the matter.'
Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar went further, asserting: 'These are not just allegations but proofs. We have also raised this matter in the Assembly several times. The government had said that they are getting an inquiry done, but why isn't the inquiry happening then?' Singhar said the people of Ujjain themselves are 'witnesses to this.'
Congress leader Mukesh Nayak cited figures, claiming that when Mohan Yadav became Education Minister, he held 10 acres of land, while he reportedly now owns 250 acres. Nayak also alleged that Yadav's MLA representative recently purchased 65 acres of land 'in a very short period of time.' He added that a broader survey of politician land acquisitions in Madhya Pradesh over the past 20–25 years has thrown up findings that 'raise serious concerns about corruption.' He also alleged: 'The BJP leaders became rich, and people became poor.'
Congress leader Sajjan Singh Verma argued that as Chief Minister, Yadav holds direct influence over state development decisions — 'where roads will be built, and where construction should take place' — creating a potential conflict of interest if his family holds land in those corridors.
A Non-Political Voice
Religious figure Acharya Satish Maharaj offered a measured view, saying he did not know whether the allegations were true, but added: 'If it is genuine, then I strongly condemn it. One has to respect the position he or she holds.' He was equally firm in the other direction, stating that if the allegations are false, 'spreading such fake news is highly condemnable.'
Context and What Comes Next
This is not the first time the Congress has raised the land acquisition issue in the state Assembly, according to Singhar, who noted that the government had previously committed to an inquiry — one he says has not materialised. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Madhya Pradesh is yet to issue a formal rebuttal to the latest round of allegations. With the Congress pressing for a Supreme Court-monitored probe, the political temperature in Bhopal is set to rise further in the coming days.