Ujjain land row: Congress targets CM Yadav over silence, announces ‘Jawab Do’ campaign

The Congress party on Monday (June 29) accused Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav of being the “mastermind” behind the alleged Ujjain land scam, and questioned his silence on the issue. The party alleged the scam was carried out for personal gain and said it would continue demanding his resignation.

Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh, in a post on X, alleged that Yadav was behind the “massive land scam” and said the party would continue its campaign to hold him accountable.

Alleged Ujjain land scam

Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X, "There is no doubt whatsoever that the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh is the mastermind behind this massive land scam perpetrated for personal gain.”

Also Read: Amid Ujjain’s infra upgrade, CM Mohan Yadav family’s land purchases raise questions

A report published in the Indian Express last week claimed that Yadav's family and their real estate firms acquired at least 137 plots spanning 168 acres in Ujjain for Rs 45 crore over two years, starting in December 2023, mostly in areas benefiting from road projects and land-use changes announced by his government.

Congress questions CM’s silence

Jairam Ramesh's remarks followed an X post by Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari in which he questioned the chief minister's silence on the issue.

“Chief Minister, Time is flying! Yet, your 'silence' remains! The Madhya Pradesh Congress gave you three days to answer the public's questions! The second day has already passed! The eyes of the entire state are still fixed on you!" Patwari said in his post in Hindi.

Also read: Temple towns, land ‘scams’: Are BJP govts fostering corruption in name of religion?

There has been no response from the chief minister on the questions raised in the people's court, Patwari said.

“Ministers have spoken! The organisation has spoken! Official clarifications have been issued, but the public wants to know – when will the chief minister speak for himself?" the Congress leader said.

“If everything is based on facts, then come before the public! If the Indian Express report is incorrect, then go to court! If the allegations are baseless, present the evidence before the people!" he said.

‘Jawab Do’ campaign

"Also, remember that silence is never an answer in a democracy," Patwari said.

Also read: Lid comes off Rs 200-crore ‘land scam’ in Punjab with realtor Ajay Sehgal’s arrest

“Only one day remains now! The people of Madhya Pradesh are eagerly awaiting your 'answer'! If the 'silence' is not broken even then, the Congress will hold a 'Corruption Meeting' on June 30th! It will launch a 'Jawab Do' (give an answer) campaign with the public, based on the principle that asking questions is the people's right! The decision is yours now!" Patwari said.

BJP hits back

The Congress has demanded a judicial probe by a sitting Supreme Court judge into the allegations, and questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the matter.

Hitting back, the BJP alleged that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and his son Priyank Kharge, a minister in the Karnataka government, grabbed land at various locations in the southern state by “misusing their power and influence”, and questioned why Chief Minister DK Shivakumar does not take action against them.

(With agency inputs)