Farmers in Ujjain are outraged by the proposed Madhya Pradesh Land Pooling Act 2025. Fearing permanent acquisition of 4,000 hectares of land in the Simhastha Mela area, farmers have taken to the streets. The Public Interest Party claims that the law will shrink the Mela area into a formal fair like Nashik and Haridwar, threatening farmers' livelihoods and religious traditions.
Discover the full controversy...
The Madhya Pradesh Urban and Rural Investment (Amendment) Act-2025, passed in the assembly, implements the land pooling scheme. Under it, the government will acquire land from farmers for urban bodies, industries, or government projects without compensation. In return, 50% of the acquired land will be developed and returned to the farmers.
The government claims this policy will bring economic prosperity and benefit landowners. However, farmers argue that it is a ploy to snatch land without consent or compensation, with ambiguity about when and where the developed land will be meted out.
In Ujjain, this Act will impact 4,000 hectares (10,000 acres) across 17 villages in the Simhastha Mela region, traditionally required every 12 years for temporary saint settlements. Farmers fear that despite construction restrictions, the Act could lead to land falling into the hands of private companies and land mafias, potentially shrinking the Mela territory.
Issue Also Raised in Assembly
The opposition to the Land Pooling Act echoed in the assembly. BJP legislator from Alot, Ujjain, Chintamani Malviya, opposed the bill during the budget session on March 18. He stated, "For Simhastha, the farmers' land was taken for 3-6 months initially, but now notice of permanent acquisition has been issued." Subsequently, BJP issued a show-cause notice to Malviya. Congress legislator Mahesh Parmar, also opposing the bill, said, "Farmers should not be forced to part with their land."
Opposition Attacks Government
Congress has extended support to the farmers' movement. State Congress President Jitu Patwari stated, "The Land Pooling Act is a governmental conspiracy to seize farmers' lands."
Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar has also demanded the government provide fair compensation to the farmers. A meeting with farmers and party leaders was held at the Congress office on March 27, resolving to prevent permanent acquisition.
Government’s Stance
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav proclaimed, "I and my government stand with the farmers. Being a farmer's son myself, we wish to develop the state extensively and enhance farmers' lives."
The government asserts that the land pooling scheme is inspired by the Gujarat model and will benefit both farmers and industries. They claim the developed land's commercial use will economically benefit landowners. However, farmers in Ujjain say this policy will benefit land mafias instead.
Farmers' Concerns
Ashutosh Upadhyay, a farmer from Ujjain district, said, "The government plans a Rs 2000 crore spiritual city with concrete roads and permanent structures. This will destroy farmers' cultivation. It should not proceed without farmers' consent." The Farmer Struggle Committee spokesperson termed it an 'anti-farmer, anti-Sanatana, and anti-Simhastha step.'
'Not Ready to Permanently Give Land'
Another farmer from Mangalanathpura explained, "We provide land for Simhastha every time but oppose this new land pooling system. We are not ready to give land permanently. For Simhastha, land can be taken as before, but if you take the farmer’s land and build hotels or other structures, what will the farmer do? Roads and renovations will become permanent. If renovated, how will we farm? Without farming, how will we sustain our families and children? We have no trade or employment means apart from land. If land is taken away, we will become jobless."
Public Interest Party Initiated Protests
The Public Interest Party claims that with this Act, land will be acquired without farmers’ prior consent and no compensation. There is no clarity on when and where they will get the developed land's half. Farmers will face economic hardships until the project completes. The Simhastha Mela will commence in Ujjain in 2028, one of the country’s four major Kumbh Melas.
'Mela Will Be Reduced to Formal Fair like Nashik or Haridwar'
The Public Interest Party claims that land pooling will reduce the fair to a form similar to Nashik and Haridwar. Permanent construction over 4,000 hectares will reduce space for saints’ encampments and religious events, endangering the fair's cultural and spiritual significance.
Protest Lasted 10 Days
In protest against the proposed MP Land Pooling Act 2025, the Public Interest Party staged a sit-in at the Indore Collectorate on April 17. Subsequently, party leaders and workers spread awareness by visiting different villages of Ujjain against the Act. On April 21, police detained several party workers.
Source: aajtak
On April 22, farmers rallied at the Char Dham temple, submitting a memorandum at Baba Mahakal despite a heavy police presence. That same day, party workers from across the state began protests in Ujjain. Under pressure, police released the detained workers unconditionally.
Source: aajtak
On April 27, once more, Public Interest Party leaders Abhay Jain, Manish Kale, and Arvind Bhadoria were detained but later released. The Farmer Struggle Committee and Public Interest Party warned of a large-scale uprising in Ujjain if the Act is not repealed.
