Former MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan attacks CM Yadav as officials demolish tribal homes

Taking a dig at the Madhya Pradesh forest department and other officials, former state CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan claimed they were demolishing tribal families’ homes, destroying crops and filling a well with soil in his Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency. He alleged that there was a tussle between former chief minister Chouhan and incumbent CM Mohan Yadav, and that the tribals were bearing the brunt of it.

According to officials from his office, Chouhan during his visit Kosmi village in the Budhni assembly constituency, expressed strong disappointment over the actions taken by the forest officials.

According to the statement, the forest department and the district administration had attempted similar action a few months ago, but Chouhan had directed them not to demolish the tribal families’ houses.The latest demolition over alleged encroachment was carried out on Sunday despite the Union Agriculture Minister’s instructions, it said.

Chouhan spoke to Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary Ashok Barnwal from the spot, apprised him of the incident and registered his objection, the statement said. He also spoke to state BJP president Hemant Khandelwal and said he would soon take up the matter with CM Mohan Yadav.

Questioning the administration he said, “New houses will be built for the families whose homes have been demolished. Until permanent arrangements are made for their accommodation, temporary arrangements for their stay and food will be ensured”.

Meanwhile, sharing a video of the demolition, MP Assembly Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar wrote on X, “Tribal families are being uprooted amid the tussle between Mohan-Mama (Chouhan).” He alleged that crops belonging to families from the Barela tribal community were being destroyed and their houses demolished in Kosmi village.“Due to the infighting within the BJP government, poor tribal families face the threat of being rendered homeless,” he alleged.