Farmers in MP Reject New Land Pooling Order, Accuse Govt of Backtracking on Withdrawal Promise

A gazette notification issued on Wednesday triggered the fresh dispute. Farmer leaders say the order contradicts the government’s earlier assurances and instead introduces ambiguous provisions that could allow land acquisition under the Town Development Schemes (TDS-8, 9, 10, 11). The Sangh has given the government two days to revoke the notification and issue a clear withdrawal order.

State president of the Kisan Sangh, Kamal Singh Anjana, said the union had demanded complete abolition of the Land Pooling Act in the Simhasth area during the negotiations. He claimed the new order retained Sections 50 and 12(a) of the TNCP Act, enabling land pooling through administrative discretion. “Manipulation is not acceptable. If farmers are misled, we will resume protests,” Anjana warned after the meeting.

Farmers also reiterated long-standing demands, including cancellation of pending cases filed against landowners in Ujjain and a ban on permanent construction in the Simhasth fair zone. They argued that the government’s earlier assurance—that development would proceed only with farmer consent—has now been contradicted by the revised notification.

Under the updated arrangement, the government will not return a share of developed land but will provide compensation under the Land Acquisition Act, 2013. Permanent infrastructure such as roads, electricity and drainage will be built with double compensation, while temporary works will be priced in consultation with farmers.

The amendment was issued after Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. Officials also confirmed that a new act is being drafted ahead of the 2028 Simhastha to prevent encroachments, with stringent penalties likely to be introduced.

The Kisan Sangh’s next move will depend on the government’s response in the coming days.