BJP MLA Chintamani Malviya Reaffirms Stance on Land Acquisition for Simhastha

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Chintamani Malviya criticized the government's land acquisition process.
- He highlighted a shift from temporary to permanent land acquisition.
- His comments provided the Congress with an opportunity to attack the government.
- Malviya insists he is fulfilling his duty as an MLA by voicing public concerns.
- He cautioned against potential irreversible losses for farmers.
Bhopal, March 24 (NationPress) BJP MLA Chintamani Malviya, who recently voiced criticism against his own government regarding land acquisition for the Ujjain Simhastha, affirmed on Monday that he stands by his statement.
Malviya, a prominent BJP legislator from Alot in Ujjain -- the home district of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav -- had alleged on Friday that there were irregularities in the state's land acquisition process for development projects ahead of the 2028 Simhastha.
During an Assembly discussion, Malviya pointed out the transition from temporary land use during the 2016 Simhastha to permanent acquisition this time. "Unlike the previous Simhastha, where land was taken temporarily for 3-6 months, farmers are now receiving notices for permanent acquisition as part of plans to develop a 'Spiritual City,'" he explained.
His comments provided the opposition Congress with leverage to attack the government but were not well received by the state BJP. Following his remarks, state BJP president V.D. Sharma issued a show-cause notice demanding an explanation.
In response on Monday, Malviya stated that he had not yet received any official communication but emphasized that he had done nothing improper.
In a conversation with IANS, Malviya stated, "As an MLA, it is my duty to voice genuine public concerns in the House. If I receive the notice, I will respond accordingly. This is an internal matter between me and my party, and I won’t comment further outside the Assembly."
When questioned about the Congress offering him support on the issue, Malviya distanced himself from the opposition. "I am a committed BJP member and have no ties with the Congress. I raised a public concern in the House and I stand by my statement," he told IANS.
Malviya further questioned the reasoning behind the establishment of a Spiritual City in Ujjain. "True spiritual knowledge requires isolation and tranquility -- something difficult to achieve in an urban setting," he remarked.
He cautioned that permanent land acquisition could lead to irreversible losses for farmers, contrasting it with the temporary measures taken during previous events.