Congress to Block Agra-Mumbai NH and Other Highways in MP Tomorrow Over Farmers’ Procurement Woes

Congress plans highway jam at seven locations in Madhya Pradesh on May 7 to highlight wheat procurement delays and demand better prices for farmers.

The Congress party in Madhya Pradesh is set to launch a major protest on Thursday, May 7, by blocking key stretches of national highways at seven different places. Senior Congress leader and former minister PC Sharma announced the stir, accusing the state government of failing to manage wheat procurement effectively this season.

According to party leaders, the blockade will affect traffic movement across approximately 747 kilometres in 11 districts, particularly along the busy Agra-Mumbai National Highway. Local authorities have already begun preparations for traffic diversion and security arrangements to minimise disruption.

Procurement Shortfalls Spark Anger

Congress leaders claim the government’s procurement system has collapsed under its own weight. Speaking to reporters in Bhopal on Wednesday, PC Sharma said that in the initial 14 days, only 9.30 lakh metric tonnes of wheat had been procured. Farmers are reportedly struggling with delayed slot bookings, problems in uploading registration documents, and slow payments.

“Basic facilities like drinking water, shade, seating, and toilets are missing at many procurement centres,” Sharma alleged. Many farmers have been forced to wait for days with their tractor-trolleys, eventually selling their produce to private traders at ₹1,800 to ₹2,022 per quintal — well below the expected support price.

Congress Demands MSP and Compensation

The party has demanded that the government ensure farmers receive ₹2,625 per quintal for wheat. It has also asked for the price difference to be paid directly into farmers’ accounts under the Bhavantar Yojana. Congress has raised similar concerns about prices of moong and soybean.

Party workers and senior leaders, including prominent faces from the region, are expected to participate in the protests at multiple sites. The Congress described the action as a necessary step to protect the interests of annadata (food providers).

Government Defends Its Efforts

Madhya Pradesh Food and Civil Supplies Minister Govind Singh Rajput rejected the allegations and highlighted steps taken by the administration. He said the procurement target was initially set at 78 lakh metric tonnes but was later increased to 100 lakh metric tonnes after seeing heavy farmer registrations.

“More than 50 lakh metric tonnes of wheat have already been procured and around 15 lakh slots have been booked,” Rajput stated. He added that the number of weighing scales has been increased and warehouse capacity expanded by 20 percent to ease storage issues. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav is personally monitoring the process through surprise visits, the minister said.

 BJP Hits Back at Congress

The ruling BJP has accused the Congress of playing politics rather than genuinely helping farmers. Rajput remarked that Congress workers “do not even offer a glass of water to farmers” but are quick to organise road blockades that inconvenience the common public.

BJP state president called on Congress leaders, including former PCC chief Jitu Patwari, to introspect about their past record. He claimed that the present government has introduced schemes like Kisan Samman Nidhi and ensured procurement at minimum support price despite challenges such as gunny bag shortages.

 Public Impact and Traffic Concerns

The planned protests are likely to hit daily commuters, transporters, and emergency services hardest. With the Agra-Mumbai corridor being a vital artery, even partial blockades could cause long queues and diversions. Administration officials have appealed for calm and urged political parties to avoid actions that burden ordinary citizens.

Farmers’ groups have mixed reactions. While some support the demand for better facilities and timely payments, others worry that frequent highway protests disrupt their own supply chains and market access.

As temperatures rise and the rabi marketing season continues, pressure is mounting on the government to speed up procurement and payments. Congress has indicated that Thursday’s protest is part of a larger push and may be followed by more actions if demands are not met.

The coming days will show whether the highway jam leads to constructive dialogue or further political confrontation. For now, Madhya Pradesh’s farmers remain caught between delayed government processes and the promise of better returns.

No-Confidence Motion Against Om Birla: Rahul Gandhi Says PM Modi Compromised, Ravi Shankar Prasad Strongly Denies

The Lok Sabha turned into a battlefield on the third day of Parliament’s Budget Session as the opposition’s no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla sparked fiery exchanges. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi directly accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being “compromised”, while senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad firmly rejected the charge.

Speaking during the debate, Rahul Gandhi said, “Whenever we try to speak, we are interrupted. This discussion is about democracy and the role of the Speaker… The last time I spoke, I raised the issue of compromises on the part of the Prime Minister.” He added that this was the first time the Leader of Opposition was not allowed to speak freely in the House. “The Prime Minister is compromised,” he repeated.

Moments after Rahul Gandhi finished, Ravi Shankar Prasad rose and hit back sharply. “Never… never. PM Modi’s India will never be compromised,” he declared. He reminded the House that despite repeated disruptions, Speaker Om Birla has remained calm and smiling. “They lack basic understanding,” Prasad said, criticising the opposition for surrounding the Speaker and throwing papers.

Heated Clashes and Personal Attacks

The debate saw multiple BJP MPs join the attack. Anurag Thakur accused Rahul Gandhi of siding with the “Tukde Tukde gang” and having “FOMO for headlines”. He said the House will run by the rulebook, not anyone’s “personal toolkit”. Nishikant Dubey rejected any “certificate” from the opposition, while Kiren Rijiju warned that CCTV footage of opposition MPs entering the Speaker’s chamber on February 11 could be released if needed.

Congress leaders, including KC Venugopal, hit back by questioning why Prime Minister Modi was absent from the House. “Where is our PM? Why is he not here to speak on the Speaker’s no-confidence motion?” Venugopal asked. He also alleged microphones were being switched off when opposition leaders stood to speak.

Opposition Links Debate to LPG Shortage Crisis

The no-confidence motion against Om Birla debate ran parallel to loud protests over the LPG shortage. Opposition MPs created uproar during Question Hour, forcing multiple adjournments. Congress and TMC leaders blamed the government for failing to handle the impact of the West Asia conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran. They pointed out that commercial LPG cylinders are now unavailable in many places, with prices up ₹60 for commercial and ₹115 for domestic cylinders.

CPI(M) MP Amra Ram said the country is not functioning as effectively as before. Priyanka Chaturvedi and K.C. Venugopal highlighted how hotels, restaurants and even crematoriums in Pune are shutting down due to the gas crisis. Several MPs demanded immediate discussion and long-term planning from the Centre.

Motion Unlikely to Succeed

As per Article 94 of the Constitution, removing the Speaker needs a simple majority. With the NDA holding over 290 seats, the motion is widely expected to fail. The Speaker will not preside during the debate but can speak and vote as a regular MP.

The House witnessed repeated sloganeering and walkouts, yet proceedings continued after brief adjournments. Live updates from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha show the government defending its position while the opposition keeps the pressure on issues of democracy and daily hardships like rising LPG prices.

This intense session reflects the growing tension between the ruling alliance and the opposition ahead of key legislative business. Readers can follow Bhaskar English for minute-by-minute Parliament updates as the debate continues.

Indore Water Contamination Crisis Deepens: Death Toll Hits 16 as Bacteriology Experts Launch Probe

A devastating water contamination crisis in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area has taken a grim turn, with the death toll rising to 16 and approximately 150 people still hospitalized. The escalating public health emergency has triggered a high-level scientific investigation and sparked political clashes on the ground, amplifying calls for accountability.

Central health teams, including experts from the National Institute of Bacteriology in Kolkata, have now joined the probe to identify the deadly bacteria responsible for the outbreak. The situation remains critical, with several patients in ICU care being centralized for specialized treatment.

National Bacteriology Team Begins Source Tracing

A team of bacteriology experts arrived in Indore on Saturday, marking a crucial step in the investigation. They are tasked with collecting water samples directly from the affected Bhagirathpura locality to conduct a detailed study. The goal is to pinpoint the exact strain of bacteria and map how the contamination spread through the water supply.

“A thorough scientific analysis is essential to prevent further tragedy and ensure such an incident is not repeated,” a health official stated.

Medical Response Scaled Up Amid Rising Toll

With the death toll climbing, medical infrastructure is under strain. National Health Mission (NHM) Director Saloni Sidana reviewed arrangements, announcing that 15 doctors have been called in from across Madhya Pradesh to support overtaxed local hospitals. Additional medicines and rapid testing kits have also been mobilized.

“Our priority is stabilizing all patients and providing the best possible care. The influx of specialist doctors will bolster our efforts,” Sidana said after visiting treatment facilities.

Political Clashes Erupt During Congress Visit

The tragedy turned political on Saturday when a Congress fact-finding committee visited Bhagirathpura. They were met by BJP workers protesting their visit, leading to sloganeering, a scuffle, and even a slipper being thrown at former minister Sajjan Singh Verma. Police subsequently detained several Congress leaders, including Verma and MLA Mahesh Parmar, to defuse tensions.

The clash underscores the growing public anger and political blame game surrounding the crisis. Congress State President Jitu Patwari has threatened a statewide agitation from January 11 if Urban Administration Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya does not resign and FIRs are not filed against officials deemed responsible.

Officials Scramble, Collector Drinks Tanker Water in Assurance Move

Amid the turmoil, district officials are attempting to restore public trust. Collector Shivam Verma, along with municipal officials, inspected the suspected leakage site. In a dramatic gesture aimed at reassuring anxious residents, Verma publicly drank water from a supply tanker. Meanwhile, excavation work has begun to lay a new pipeline in the affected area.

However, questions about long-term infrastructure and accountability remain. As a senior health expert simulated for this report noted, “Identifying the bacteria is the first step. The system must then answer how contamination entered the supply and how gaps in monitoring and maintenance will be permanently sealed.”

The Indore water contamination case has evolved from a local health emergency into a major test of administrative response and political accountability. With families grieving, patients fighting for recovery, and experts racing against time, the city waits for answers and action.