The family of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has acquired 168 acres of land in Ujjain for Rs 45 crore, according to land records, as the city undergoes a major infrastructure push. The Congress party has termed the acquisition an 'engine of plunder' and demanded a probe.
Land Acquisition Details
Land records show that between 2021 and 2024, the Yadav family purchased multiple plots in Ujjain's outskirts, totaling 168 acres. The transactions, valued at Rs 45 crore, were registered in the names of the CM's wife, son, and other relatives. The land is located near the proposed Ujjain metro rail project and a new ring road, both part of the state government's urban development plan.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who also holds the portfolio of urban development, has not commented on the matter. However, his office stated that the land purchases were private transactions and not related to his official position.
Congress Allegations
Congress spokesperson Pankaj Mishra said, "This is a classic case of using public office for private gain. The CM's family has been buying land in areas where the government is planning major infrastructure projects. This is an engine of plunder." Mishra demanded a judicial inquiry into the transactions and alleged that the land was acquired at prices far below market value.
According to real estate experts, the market value of the land could be three to four times the registered price, given the upcoming projects. The Congress has also pointed out that the Yadav family's land holdings in Ujjain have increased significantly since the CM took office in 2023.
Government Response
State BJP spokesperson Rajneesh Agrawal defended the CM, saying, "The land purchases were made legally and transparently. The Congress is making baseless allegations out of political frustration." He added that the CM's family has been involved in agriculture and real estate for decades, and the acquisitions are legitimate business dealings.
The opposition has also questioned the timing of the purchases, which coincided with the state government's announcement of the Ujjain metro and other infrastructure projects. The Congress has threatened to approach the Lokayukta if no action is taken.
Impact and Next Steps
The controversy has sparked a political war in Madhya Pradesh, with both parties trading charges. The Congress has planned protests across the state, while the BJP has accused the opposition of trying to derail development projects. The matter is likely to be raised in the upcoming assembly session.
Political analysts say the issue could dent the CM's image, especially in Ujjain, which is a key constituency. However, the BJP's strong majority in the assembly may shield the government from immediate fallout. The Congress has vowed to keep the pressure on until a thorough investigation is conducted.
