Bhopal, February 19 – Congress legislators staged a symbolic protest within the premises of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly on the fourth day of the ongoing session, targeting the BJP-led state government for what they called a series of "empty promises" and "unfulfilled" commitments.
Led by Leader of the Opposition Umang Singhar, the MLAs gathered in front of the Gandhi statue, holding empty plates in their hands. They raised slogans condemning the "khayali pulao" (imaginary rice) being served to the people of Madhya Pradesh, a metaphor for illusory benefits and unattainable hopes.
Speaking to reporters at the site, Umang Singhar accused the government of relying solely on rhetoric while the actual situation paints a starkly different picture.
He pointed out that despite repeated announcements on job creation, no significant recruitments have occurred in the last two years, leaving thousands of young people unemployed and relying solely on assurances.
The opposition leader also highlighted delays in the Ladli Behna scheme, under which women were promised a monthly allowance of Rs 3000 but continue to wait without receiving the funds.
He said that households across the state are struggling with rising electricity bills, even though the government claims to provide relief through mere declarations.
Singhar criticized the health sector, stating that government hospitals suffer from a severe shortage of doctors and essential medicines, contradicting official claims of sufficient arrangements.
Farmers face ongoing difficulties in obtaining fertilizers and seeds, yet the administration continues to promise agricultural prosperity without delivering results.
He further criticized the lack of progress on implementing the 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes, describing it as another area where only verbal commitments have been made.
According to him, the education system remains in disarray, with the government prioritizing announcements over actual solutions. Clarifying the intent behind the demonstration, Umang Singhar emphasised that this was not a routine political show but the genuine voice of the suffering citizens.
He described it as a struggle for the rights, dignity, and future of the people of Madhya Pradesh.
The Congress party, he affirmed, will continue to raise these issues relentlessly, taking the fight from the Assembly floor to the streets until real change is achieved.
