BJP vs BJP? Why Shivraj Chouhan's intervention over tribal protest puts CM MP Mohan Yadav under pressure

Demonstrations for the demolition of houses of tribal families in Madhya Pradesh’s Sehore district are now heading to Bhopal, the state capital, to increase pressure on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.

The agitation also brought political implications into focus ATNion Minister of Agriculture Public intervention by Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Chouhan, a former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, criticized officials in the government led by his own party, the BJP.

Read also | When the BJP protested against the Election Commission in 2014

On Sunday, Chouhan visited Kosmi village in Budhni constituency where the alleged action took place and expressed strong displeasure after meeting the affected families, a statement issued by his office said.

Chouhan has accused the Madhya Pradesh forest department and other officials of destroying homes of tribal families, destroying crops and filling a well with soil in his Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency.

The protest was held for five days, after which the tribals began a march towards Bhopal on Thursday. They have sought a meeting with CM Yadav to submit their land documents and demand compensation, rehabilitation and action against the officials responsible for the demolition.

About 5,000 people could join the march, with many residents from other villagers joining along the route.

The protest is scheduled to take place in Bhopal on October 17. Women, children, youth and elderly people from more than 35 villages are expected to participate in the protest, according to people associated with the protest quoted in the Indain Express report. The protesters want to present their demands directly to the chief minister after negotiations with the local administration failed.

What did the forest authority say?

The protest was held in Kosmi village, which falls under Budhni assembly seat. During his tenure as CM, the BJP leader represented Budhni constituency in Sehore district several times. Chouhan served as Chief Minister from November 2005 to December 2018 and again from March 2020 to December 2023.

The Forest Department and the Madhya Pradesh Van Vikas Nigam said measures have been taken to remove encroachment on the forest land where the plantation was established in 2021.

The forest department and the district administration had attempted a similar action a few months ago, but Chouhan ordered them not to demolish the houses of the tribal families.

However, the affected families say they have lived and farmed the land for generations and are demanding compensation for the loss of their homes, crops and property, recognition of their claims to the land and legal action against officials.

The latest demolition for alleged encroachment was carried out on Sunday despite the Union Agriculture Minister’s instructions. Chouhan spoke to Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary Ashok Barnwal at the spot, apprised him of the incident and registered his objection, the statement said. He also spoke to state BJP president Hemant Khandelwal and said he would take up the matter with CM Mohan Yadav soon.

Read also | Maharashtra to celebrate ‘UPI Day’ on October 2: What to keep in mind?

He said those responsible for making poor families homeless will not be spared.

“New houses will be built for the families whose houses were demolished. Until permanent accommodation is provided, temporary accommodation and food will be provided,” he said.

Days before the march, Chouhan had publicly rebuked the BJP administration in the state, accusing officials of “committing an extreme act of injustice” and questioning why they were “attacking families who voted for the BJP”.

Chouhan’s son, Kartikeya Singh Chouhan, also visited Kosmi on October 13, met the affected families and sat down to eat with them. Kartikeya’s involvement has ensured that the protest continues to attract attention even after his father is gone.

Former CM Chouhan questioned the functioning of the administration over the demolition of houses, destruction of crops and filling up of wells. It also bothered him that no senior forest department or administrative official was present at the site.

The Union Minister said that the action not only destroyed houses but also affected the livelihood of families.

CM vs former CM?

The opposition Congress used the incident to allege that there was a scuffle between former Chief Minister Chouhan and incumbent CM Mohan Yadav and that tribals bore the brunt.

Leader of Opposition in Madhya Pradesh Assembly Umang Singhar wrote on X: “Tribal families are uprooted amid Mohan-Mama (Chouhan) tussle.

Read also | MP CM Yadav offers logistics and technology opportunities to UAE investors

He claimed that crops belonging to families from the Barela tribal community were destroyed and their houses demolished in Kosmi village.

“Due to infighting in the BJP government, poor tribal families are facing the threat of becoming homeless,” he said. Singhar asked why poor families should suffer due to alleged friction within the ruling establishment.