Farmers protest against land pooling for Simhastha-2028 in Ujjain

Over 5,000 farmers driving hundreds of tractors converged in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on Tuesday to protest against the proposed land pooling scheme for the Simhastha-2028.

Organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), the rally began from the Social Justice Complex on Agar Road. Farmers from nearly 20 nearby villages participated in the protest.

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The farmers oppose the BJP state government’s plan to permanently acquire about 2,400 hectares of land—mostly farmland—for constructing a permanent concrete Kumbh City for the Simhastha.

According to BKS National General Secretary and RSS campaigner Mohini Mohan Mishra, the land pooling scheme would take land away from farmers to build permanent structures. He insisted that Simhastha facilities should remain temporary.

“Saints and devotees only need open space, not luxury,” Mishra said. “Farmers should be allowed to use the land for 11 years and give it to Simhastha for one year.”

The main concern of farmers is that the government intends to permanently acquire their land, which falls within the planned Kumbh City. They argue that while they are barred from building permanent structures on Simhastha land, the government itself is now planning concrete construction.

Farmers’ organisations claim that around 5,000 farmers will be affected, and about 35,000 to 40,000 of their dependent family members could lose their livelihood if the land pooling policy is implemented. They also warned of serious environmental damage due to the cutting of thousands of trees.

In view of the protest, heavy security was deployed in Ujjain. More than 1,000 security personnel were stationed along the rally route, and police barricaded several parts of the city.

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav reiterated that the proposed development works for Simhastha would go ahead, though the government remained open to dialogue with farmers.

“The state government has no intention to offend farmers, but we will also ensure that the development work for Simhastha does not get affected,” the CM emphasized.

Dr Yadav said on Monday that Ujjain is being envisioned as a “Global Spiritual City” for Simhastha 2028. “Permanent infrastructure development will be undertaken based on consensus,” he maintained.

“The development process will continue uninterrupted. Maintaining the pace of development is the highest priority. Keeping everyone’s interests in mind, and through continuous dialogue with stakeholders, the state government is moving forward with land pooling and other development works,” he added.

The Simhastha, held every 12 years in Ujjain, last took place in 2016. The 2028 edition will be the first under Dr Yadav’s tenure as Chief Minister, making it a prestigious project for him, particularly as Ujjain is his hometown.