BJP MLA Ambrish Sharma Stages Dharna Against Own Party's Administration in Madhya Pradesh
In a surprising political development, first-time BJP MLA Ambrish Sharma from the Lahar assembly segment in Madhya Pradesh's Bhind district opened a front against his own party and government on Sunday. Sharma staged a dharna, alleging that some Congress-leaning officials in the local administration are systematically discriminating against the people of his constituency.
Protest Details and Allegations
The sit-in protest occurred at Dussehra Maidan in Bhatan Tal, Lahar, just one day after Chief Minister Mohan Yadav transferred the district collector of Sidhi and the Superintendent of Police of Guna following negative public feedback about administrative neglect. Sharma, who was accompanied by supporters, claimed his primary objective was to draw the attention of Chief Minister Yadav and BJP state chief Hemant Khandelwal to longstanding issues in Lahar.
"Congress-minded officials are discriminating against the people of the assembly constituency," Sharma asserted during the protest. He detailed that residents have been agitating for approximately two years demanding the demolition of an allegedly encroached portion of a building owned by former Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Govind Singh.
Specific Grievances and Historical Context
The BJP MLA revealed he had already met with both CM Yadav and the state party chief to brief them about the alleged discrimination by concerned officials, but no subsequent action was taken. Among specific grievances, Sharma highlighted that electricity connection to a tribal village was disconnected, allegedly at the behest of these officials.
"People in my constituency are being singled out and tormented," Sharma declared. "They are being harassed. Lahar is witnessing atrocities of the kind that took place under the Mughals and the British."
In a viral social media video, the legislator was heard making provocative statements: "When we could fight a demon for 35 years, why should we fear their officials?" — with "demon" being a snide reference to the Congress party. He issued a stern warning to district officials: "Don't mistake our patience as weakness. You are not even worth a single puff, with one puff you will land in Pakistan."
Political Backing and BJP's Defense
Despite the strong rhetoric, both the state government and BJP unit came to Sharma's defense. BJP state unit spokesperson Ajay Singh Yadav told media: "This agitation is about a Congress leader who is protecting the illegal mafia, and our MLA is fighting against him. His complaint is only against a section of officials who are allegedly Congress-leaning. We know how the Congress shields and patronizes leaders linked with the mafia."
The BJP presented additional context, claiming that Scheduled Caste communities in Lahar have been protesting against Govind Singh for allegedly encroaching land that serves as a pathway to several habitations and villages. The assembly segment has a predominant Scheduled Caste population.
Congress Response and Counter-Allegations
Congress state spokesman Mithun Ahirwar dismissed Sharma's charges as baseless. "Govind Singh is considered a senior and respected leader not just by the Congress but in the political arena. He was elected seven times by the people of Lahar," Ahirwar stated.
He further argued: "The charges levelled by the BJP MLA are not being taken seriously even by his government and party. The officials he is making allegations against were posted by the BJP government. It seems he needs proper care at a mental hospital."
Historical and Electoral Significance
The controversy has deep roots in Lahar's political history. Govind Singh represented the constituency in the assembly for over three decades — precisely 33 years — serving as a minister in previous Congress governments led by Digvijaya Singh and Kamal Nath. The BJP alleges that a section of district police and administration remain close to Singh due to his long tenure.
Singh was elected MLA from Lahar for seven consecutive terms from 1990 to 2018. This streak ended when Ambrish Sharma, a political newcomer fighting under the BJP's 'lotus' symbol, won the seat in the 2023 assembly elections by a margin of 12,397 votes, snapping the BJP's previous run of losses from this constituency.
The dharna has highlighted internal tensions within the ruling party's administration while bringing attention to persistent local issues in Lahar that span multiple administrations and political eras.
