Bhopal: Union Agriculture Minister and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan staged a protest on Sunday against his own party’s government, sitting on a dharna alongside villagers in Kosmi village of the Budhni Assembly constituency in Vidhisha District. The protest followed the demolition of villagers’ houses by the Forest Department and district administration, leaving several families facing displacement.
Villagers, particularly women, narrated their ordeal to Chouhan, breaking down in tears and beating their chests as they described the destruction of their homes. Visibly upset by their accounts, the Union Minister expressed strong displeasure and warned the Madhya Pradesh government that those responsible for rendering poor families homeless would not be spared and would face strict action.
Chouhan termed the demolition of houses, damage to standing crops and the filling of wells with soil as shameful. He said homes that once echoed with the laughter and activity of children were now filled with their cries, while women mourned the destruction of their families’ lives and livelihoods. He remained seated on the protest for an extended period, demanding accountability for the action against the villagers.
The episode has sparked questions about the relationship between Chouhan, popularly known as Mama, and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. Chouhan’s decision to publicly confront his own party’s government over the plight of villagers has fuelled speculation that all may not be well between the two leaders.
Chouhan also spoke to Chief Secretary Ashok Barnwal and state BJP president Hemant Khandelwal, briefing them on the incident and seeking their intervention. Sources said he had contacted district officials months earlier, urging them not to demolish tribal homes.
Kosmi falls within Chouhan’s Vidisha parliamentary constituency and the Budhni Assembly segment he represented before joining the Union Cabinet.
Official sources said reports of large-scale tree felling had emerged from Kosmi and adjoining forest areas after the monsoon weakened. The demolitions were reportedly part of an anti-encroachment drive on forest land.
