Congress Demands Dismissal of Three Ministers Ahead of MP Budget Session
State Congress president Jitu Patwari has escalated political tensions in Madhya Pradesh by formally demanding the immediate dismissal of three ministers from Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's cabinet. In a strongly worded letter delivered on Thursday, Patwari insisted the ministers must be removed before the governor's address scheduled for Monday in the state assembly.
Specific Allegations Against Ministers
The Congress leader has specifically targeted three ministers for what he describes as serious failures and controversies:
- Tribal Welfare Minister Vijay Shah for allegedly making offensive statements against lady army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi
- Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla for his connection to the Chhindwara cough syrup tragedy that reportedly claimed 23 children's lives
- Urban Administration Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya for water contamination deaths in Indore's Bhagirathpura area
Patwari's Strongly Worded Letter
In his communication to the chief minister, Patwari argued that "Madhya Pradesh is a democratically governed state, where every unit of governance is expected to adhere to democratic values, ethics, and constitutional norms." He expressed concern that the government's actions appear contrary to public sentiment, fostering what he described as "anarchy, arrogance, and authoritarian tendencies."
The letter further criticized the upcoming governor's address, suggesting it would present "more statistics than reality" while the state grapples with what Patwari claims is a severe economic crisis and mounting debt burden that the government appears to be ignoring.
Congress Strategy Against BJP Government
While Patwari delivered his formal demand, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar has called a meeting with the Congress Legislative Party for Monday evening to strategize how to attack the BJP government on these same three issues. Political observers anticipate a particularly noisy budget session beginning February 16, with Congress preparing to aggressively confront the Mohan Yadav administration.
The opposition party plans to focus their criticism on three main controversies: the Bhagirathpura water contamination issue, the Chhindwara cough syrup deaths of children, and the pending prosecution sanction against Vijay Shah for his alleged remarks about the army officer.
Moral Challenge to Leadership
Patwari framed his demand as a test of the chief minister's "moral commitment, responsibility, and leadership abilities." He insisted that Yadav must respect public sentiment by dismissing the ministers before the governor's address, warning that failure to do so would send a clear message that the government "tacitly supports lies, immorality, and the insult to the nation's daughters and the Indian Army."
The Congress leader contended it is "extremely unfortunate and shameful" that despite what he characterizes as insults to the army, deaths of innocent people, and administrative failures, these ministers remain in office. He argued this situation raises serious questions about the government's morality, sensitivity, and accountability to the people of Madhya Pradesh.
