Congress MLAs Use Tableau Protest to Highlight Farmer Distress in Madhya Pradesh Assembly

The BJP accused Congress MLAs of attempting to gain political advantage through their protest actions.

During the second day of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly session, Congress members staged a distinctive demonstration against the BJP government, highlighting the deteriorating conditions faced by farmers across the state.

Opposition Leader Umang Singhar led numerous Congress MLAs who arrived early Tuesday at the Assembly wearing tableaus around their necks.

The tableaus, titled 'Chidiya chug gayi khet' (birds consumed the crops), illustrated barren fields, ruined harvests, and struggling farmers, representing what Congress described as the breakdown of rural economies under current leadership.

Congress representatives stated these tableaus depicted the actual situation in Madhya Pradesh's rural areas where agricultural communities confront inadequate crop prices, delayed compensation payments, incomplete insurance disbursements, irrigation challenges, and persistent electricity shortages.

The opposition legislators maintained that despite continuous appeals, the administration has failed to implement effective measures addressing farmers' economic hardships.

In statements to media, Singhar criticized the BJP government for ignoring the agricultural crisis: "The government's inaction demonstrates their pro-farmer claims exist merely on paper. Farmers face mounting debts, delayed compensation, and unaddressed crop losses. We urgently need special discussions and immediate emergency interventions."

He further emphasized that Congress would persist in advocating for farmers' concerns "from streets to the Assembly floor" until their issues receive proper resolution.

Congress representatives reported that farmers in multiple regions have waited months for compensation despite experiencing severe crop damage, exacerbating their financial instability and generating increasing frustration.

'Not Platform for Drama'

The governing BJP rejected the demonstration as politically motivated. Minister Vishvas Sarang counterattacked, accusing Congress of diminishing the Assembly's dignity.

"The immaturity evident in Delhi Congress is equally present in Madhya Pradesh Congress. The Assembly isn't a venue for theatrical displays. Sometimes they appear dressed as chameleons, sometimes in robes, sometimes carrying liquor bottles. Congress MLAs are degrading the institution's dignity."

He acknowledged opposition's right to raise issues but insisted protests should maintain responsibility and decorum.