Several Congress leaders and workers were injured when a stage collapsed during a protest in Bhopal on Monday. As the stage gave way, many leaders fell to the ground, while others rushed to help them and carry them to safety.
The protest was organized by Madhya Pradesh Congress workers to raise concerns about farmers’ issues. State Congress President Jitu Patwari, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar, MLA Sachin Yadav, and several party workers gathered at Rang Mahal Square before marching towards the state assembly. To disperse the protesters, police deployed water cannons.
Addressing the media, Jitu Patwari reaffirmed the party’s commitment to holding the ruling BJP accountable. He said, “It is the responsibility of the Congress party to protest against the BJP who made promises to women, farmers and youth of the state. Today, we held this protest with a feeling that the state government should provide Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 3100 a quintal for rice, Rs 2700 a quintal for wheat and Rs 6000 a quintal. The Union Agriculture Minister hails from the state but he does not talk about MSP.”
He further warned that if the government fails to fulfill its procurement commitments, Congress will extend its protests to every mandi in the state, standing alongside farmers. The Congress party also announced that its farmers’ wing would continue demonstrations in key agricultural markets for the next two months, demanding fair crop procurement policies.
Umang Singhar emphasized the party’s resolve, stating, “The Congress party is with the farmers and the fight will last from road to the state assembly in the interest of the farmers.”
Criticizing the Kisan Sangh, an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), he questioned its lack of action despite campaigning for the BJP. “I would like to ask the Kisan Sangh (linked to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) who seek votes of farmers in favour of BJP during elections, but why the Kisan Sangh has not fulfilled the promise even after one year from their government. Kisan Sangh staged fake protests. But the Congress is with the farmers and will fight from the road to the house for them,” he said.
The Congress party remains firm on its demands, vowing to continue its movement for farmers’ rights across Madhya Pradesh.
