Is the Withdrawal of the Land Pooling Scheme in Ujjain a Partial Win for Farmers?
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Synopsis
The recent revocation of the land pooling scheme in Ujjain by CM Mohan Yadav is being hailed by Congress as a win for farmers. However, they insist that the battle isn't over until the scheme is eliminated throughout Madhya Pradesh. This article explores the implications of this decision and the ongoing fight for farmers' rights.
Key Takeaways
- The land pooling scheme in Ujjain has been revoked following farmer protests.
- The Congress party claims this is a victory driven by collective farmer efforts.
- Farmers faced harassment for resisting the policy but remained steadfast.
- The scheme was aimed at creating infrastructure for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
- The BKS had previously organized protests against the policy.
Bhopal, Nov 18 (NationPress) Following the decision by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to annul the land pooling policy in the sacred city of Ujjain, the Opposition Congress has urged the state government to retract this contentious land acquisition initiative statewide.
Mahesh Parmar, a Congress leader and current MLA from the Tarana Assembly constituency in Ujjain, spoke to IANS on Tuesday, stating that the unified efforts of farmers and various social organizations have compelled the state to abandon the controversial land pooling policy.
“This marks a victory for the farmers who resisted the BJP government's proposals and stood against the land pooling policy in Ujjain. However, the true victory will be realized once this contentious scheme is abolished throughout Madhya Pradesh. The Congress will persist in advocating for the farmers,” Parmar told IANS in Bhopal.
The Congress MLA further claimed that farmers who opposed the revoked policy faced intimidation through baseless charges, yet they remained resolute in protecting their lands.
He highlighted that when the scheme was introduced in the state Assembly, Congress voiced its opposition. “Even several BJP leaders were against the scheme. They were unable to publicly express their dissent, but they supported the farmers, leading CM Mohan Yadav to eventually retract it. When Congress contested this policy, senior BJP leaders touted its advantages. Now, where are those benefits?” the Congress MLA questioned.
The land pooling scheme was launched in 2024 with the intention of constructing permanent infrastructure, including roads, buildings, and ashrams, as part of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in 2028, backed by an investment of Rs 2,000 crore in Ujjain.
Previously, the state government had been constructing temporary infrastructure for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, which occurs every 12 years in Ujjain.
This initiative was viewed as an ambitious effort by CM Yadav, an MLA from Ujjain, to elevate the city into a prominent pilgrimage destination.
However, it has faced persistent opposition from numerous farmers in the area.
The RSS-affiliated Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) had orchestrated a significant tractor rally in Ujjain in September to protest the scheme.
This development comes amidst protests from various farmer organizations and just a day before a significant agitation was scheduled in Ujjain on Tuesday.
In the meantime, the BKS has now canceled its planned protest.
Point of View
This incident underscores the importance of farmer rights and land acquisition policies in India. The withdrawal of the land pooling scheme in Ujjain highlights the power of collective action and the need for ongoing dialogue between government and agricultural communities. It reflects the broader challenges faced by farmers across the nation as they navigate the complexities of policy changes that affect their livelihoods.
NationPress
18/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the land pooling scheme in Ujjain?
The land pooling scheme was introduced in 2024 to create permanent infrastructure for events like the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, with plans for significant investment in Ujjain.
Why did farmers oppose the land pooling policy?
Farmers opposed the policy citing concerns over land acquisition practices and the potential loss of their agricultural land to government projects.
What actions did the Congress party take against the scheme?
Congress voiced strong opposition to the land pooling scheme in the state Assembly and supported farmers' protests against it.
What is the significance of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela?
The Simhastha Kumbh Mela is a major Hindu pilgrimage that occurs every 12 years in Ujjain, attracting millions of devotees, necessitating substantial infrastructure.
What are the next steps for farmers after this withdrawal?
Farmers are encouraged to remain vigilant and continue advocating for their rights, ensuring that similar policies do not emerge in the future.
