Former MLA and All India Congress Committee (AICC) member Praveen Pathak on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Madhya Pradesh government, alleging that corruption has become institutionalised in the state over the past two decades. Addressing a press conference at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi, Pathak claimed that the infamous Vyapam scam had damaged an entire generation and laid the foundation for examination paper leaks that are now being witnessed across the country.

He alleged that instead of being known as a model state, Madhya Pradesh had emerged as a "workshop of corruption." Referring to the Vyapam recruitment and examination scam, Pathak said the controversy had not only ruined the future of thousands of young aspirants but had also become a template for similar irregularities in competitive examinations nationwide.

'Vyapam Consumed an Entire Generation'

Pathak said that students across India are now facing the consequences of recurring paper leaks in examinations, including NEET, and linked the trend to the alleged failure of the state government to curb corruption during the Vyapam episode.

According to him, the state has become synonymous not only with ideological politics but also with large-scale corruption.

Attack Over Ayodhya Donation Theft Allegations

The Congress leader also referred to the alleged Ram Mandir donation theft case in Ayodhya, accusing the BJP of failing to safeguard public faith.

He remarked that political parties were traditionally funded through donations, but alleged that "for the first time, people are witnessing donations themselves being stolen." He further urged the Prime Minister to ensure strict action if any wrongdoing is established in the ongoing investigation.

Questions Raised Over Land Purchase Allegations

Pathak also questioned Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav over allegations related to land transactions, claiming that neither the Chief Minister nor the BJP leadership had responded despite repeated demands from the opposition.

He said Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari and Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar have sought explanations from the Chief Minister, alleging that the government's silence has raised further questions.

Congress Announces Statewide Agitation

Announcing the party's next course of action, Pathak said the Congress would launch a statewide campaign against alleged corruption. Divisional-level press conferences will be organised, and an online portal will be launched to allow citizens to upload documents and evidence related to alleged irregularities.

As part of the agitation, the Congress has announced a gherao of the Chief Minister's residence on July 15. The party also said it would raise the issues during the upcoming Madhya Pradesh Assembly session beginning on July 20.

Pathak added that district Congress units would question the Chief Minister during his public visits across the state. The party has also demanded a White Paper from the government and an independent probe headed by a retired Supreme Court judge into the allegations.

The BJP and the Madhya Pradesh government have not yet issued a detailed response to the allegations made during the press conference.