Madhya Pradesh Congress led by former Chief Minister and Rajya Sabha member Digvijay Singh here on Sunday protested against the decision of State Government to allot land in an industrial estate to an RSS affiliate associated with small industries.
The police used water cannons to disperse the crowd. The incident occurred when Singh, a Rajya Sabha MP, and other Congress workers were trying to climb on a barricade during the protest held at Govindpura industrial area, officials said.
Police have filed a case against Singh and eight other Congress leaders along with 200 workers of the party for organising a protest without prior permission, and violating Covid-19 rules. The Police used water cannons but we will continue to fight against the land allotment till the association of Industrial area is with us. The water splashed into my ears," Singh told media persons.
He alleged Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had given this land worth crores of rupees to the Laghu and Madhyam Udyog Bharti at the rate of Rs 1 despite opposition from the Industrial Association.
"This is the only park where workers take their lunch and rest”, said Singh.
The former Chief Minister said the Govindpura industrial estate was developed for ancillary units of the Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) in Bhopal. The park land in the estate is being allotted to this organisation without changing the land title and securing due permissions. 95 per cent of the industrialists are opposed to the land allotment to this body," he said.
"I, CM Chouhan, former CM Babulal Gaur had planted saplings in this park," Singh recalled. Eyewitnesses said a heated argument broke out between Singh and Bhopal DIG Irshad Wali during the demonstration in the presence of police personnel.
When Singh said the Congress will demolish the foundation stone on the allotted land, Wali is heard saying the police will keep an eye on him, they said. District Collector Avinash Lavania told Singh that the work at the allotted land is allowed only after securing necessary legal permissions including one from the Industry Department. Reacting to the Congress'' protest, Madhya Pradesh Medical Education Minister Vishvas Sarang said the upcoming project of the Laghu Udyog Bharati will provide skill development and create jobs. "This land was allotted to the Laghu Udyog Bharti after considering all the aspects," he told reporters.
Sarang said contrary to the claims made by Singh, no industrialist was seen during Saturday''s protest. "Digvijay Singh is always opposed to every new creation and brings negativity into every positive thing. The youths will be prepared for employment. Digvijay Singh was CM for ten years but instead of giving jobs, he deprived the daily wagers of their employment. He is now feeling bad when something new is being done," Sarang alleged.