Monsoon Session begins with Congress protest over fertiliser crisis in MP

Bhopal, July 20 (IANS) The monsoon session of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly commenced on Monday with a protest by Congress MLAs inside the Assembly premises. 

Led by Leader of the Opposition Umang Singhar, Congress legislators staged a demonstration against the government’s alleged failure to address farmers’ distress, particularly the shortage of fertilisers and seeds for the ongoing Kharif season and inadequate drought relief measures.

Congress MLAs wore symbolic masks depicting Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and the state Agriculture Minister to highlight what they termed as “anti-farmer policies”.

The protest focused on irregularities in government procurement, delays in compensation, and the acute crisis preventing timely input availability for farmers.

Meanwhile, the session’s agenda, tabled for the day, includes laying of multiple annual reports and accounts of various corporations and universities.

Key highlights feature reports from entities like Shahpura Thermal Power Company, Banasagar Thermal Power Company, MP Plastic Park Development Corporation, and Barkatullah University.

Several ministers, including School Education Minister Uday Pratap Singh, Energy Minister Pradyuman Singh Tomar, and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Minister Chetan Kashyap, are scheduled to table documents under the Companies Act.

The agenda also lists petitions from MLAs on local development issues such as road construction, school buildings, water supply, and drainage works across districts including Morena, Shivpuri, Gwalior, Khargone, Narsinghpur, and others.

Elections to committees for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes welfare for 2026-27 are also on the schedule.

Crucially, under Rule 139 for discussion on matters of urgent public importance, Umang Singhar is set to raise the issue of “non-availability of fertilisers and seeds to farmers for the Kharif crop and the situation arising out of drought in the state.

This aligns directly with the Congress protest, amplifying demands for immediate government intervention. Opposition leader Umang Singhar accused the government of administrative lapses that have left farmers vulnerable during the critical sowing period.

He demanded swift procurement reforms, adequate compensation, and assured supply of inputs to prevent crop failure. The ruling side is expected to respond during the session, which also features adjournment motions, short discussions, and laying of replies to previous session questions.

With farmers’ issues taking centre stage both on the streets and the Assembly, proceedings are likely to set a contentious tone for the Monsoon Session.

--IANS

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