With a major face-off brewing between farmers and the Madhya Pradesh BJP Government over the proposed land pooling scheme for Simhastha 2028 in Ujjain, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav on Monday made it clear that the development work for the event would continue, though the state government remained open to discussions with farmers to address their concerns.
“The state government has no intention of offending farmers, but we will also ensure that the development work for Simhastha is not affected,” the CM emphasized while speaking to media persons in Bhopal.
The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) has announced a major protest in Ujjain on 16 September, supported by the Karni Sena, a pan-India Rajput community outfit. The protest will feature a massive tractor rally of more than 500 tractors, with thousands of farmers from over 20 villages expected to participate. A similar demonstration is planned in Indore on 18 September.
Farmers argue that the government is attempting to permanently acquire their land, which falls within the planned Kumbh city for Simhastha. They question why permanent concrete structures are being built when farmers themselves are not permitted to construct permanent structures on Simhastha land.
Nearly 2,380 hectares of land are being acquired for the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Ujjain. Farmers’ organisations claim that about 5,000 farmers and 35,000–40,000 of their dependents would lose their livelihoods if land is acquired under the pooling policy. They also warn of significant environmental damage due to the felling of thousands of trees.
Protests against the scheme have already been underway. On 17 August, a large number of agitated farmers, including women, staged a demonstration and road blockade. Protesters stood in water holding banners and placards, raising slogans against the plan.
They argued that most are marginal farmers, and permanent acquisition of their small holdings would leave them with nothing. Farmers have instead requested temporary acquisition until the Simhastha concludes.
Meanwhile, CM Yadav said Ujjain is being envisioned as a “Global Spiritual City” for Simhastha 2028. “In this initiative, permanent infrastructure will be developed based on consensus,” he stated.
The CM stressed the government’s responsibility to provide top-quality facilities for thousands of saints and millions of devotees, pointing out that past experience showed the need for durable infrastructure capable of withstanding rainstorms and other challenges. He highlighted that thousands of acres are required for comprehensive arrangements, including security, at such a massive gathering.
“The development process will continue uninterrupted. Maintaining the pace of development is our highest priority. Keeping everyone’s interests in mind, and through continuous dialogue with stakeholders, the state government is moving forward with land pooling and all types of development works,” Dr. Yadav said.
He also cited the Prayagraj Mahakumbh as an example, noting that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had emphasized permanent structures there, which boosted religious tourism in the region.
The Simhastha is held every 12 years in Ujjain, with the previous one in 2016. Dr. Yadav, who hails from Ujjain, is determined to make the 2028 edition the grandest ever—his first Simhastha as Chief Minister.