MP Assembly Monsoon Session | Opposition Protests Over UCC Bill Debate

Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari opposed the introduction of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the Assembly, saying the matter does not fall within the state government’s jurisdiction.

He alleged that the BJP government had brought up the UCC to divert public attention from pressing issues such as unemployment, farmers’ concerns, education, healthcare, rising inflation and corruption.

After a 15-minute adjournment, the Madhya Pradesh Assembly resumed its proceedings.

The House is now taking up discussion on the Madhya Pradesh Highways (Amendment) Bill.

The Madhya Pradesh Assembly witnessed continued disruptions during Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav’s speech on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, with Congress MLAs repeatedly raising slogans throughout his address.

Despite the protests, the Chief Minister continued speaking, accusing the Congress of practising appeasement and vote-bank politics.

Dr Yadav thanked the people of Madhya Pradesh who had submitted suggestions on the proposed UCC Bill.

He alleged that the Congress had pursued appeasement and Muslim vote-bank politics for years and claimed that it had betrayed the interests of the people.

He said, “The implementation of the UCC would end discrimination in Madhya Pradesh.” He also noted that after Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Assam, Madhya Pradesh would become the next state to implement the Uniform Civil Code.

The Chief Minister further said, “The Congress has one face to show and another to act,” accusing the party of hypocrisy and double standards.

He argued that if the Congress truly respected the Constitution drafted by Dr B. R. Ambedkar, it should support the UCC Bill.

During his speech, Congress MLAs continued chanting slogans of “Chanda choron, gaddi chhodo” (“Donation thieves, vacate the chair”), resulting in repeated disruptions and uproar in the House.

A heated confrontation broke out between the ruling BJP and the Opposition during the discussion on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly today (21 July).

During the debate, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav led slogans of “Stop Muslim appeasement” and “Jai Shri Ram” in the House.

The Congress continued to oppose the Bill, leading to repeated disruptions in the Assembly.

Amid the uproar, Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar appealed to members to maintain order and said those wishing to express their views on the Bill could present their statements directly before the House.

Despite the appeal, sloganeering and protests by both the ruling party and the Opposition continued.

Amid the Congress’ protest over the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma launched a sharp attack on the Opposition in the Assembly.

Naming several Congress MLAs, he alleged that by opposing the UCC, they were also acting against the interests of the tribal community.

Sharma further described the Congress legislators opposing the UCC as “anti-Hindu” and said that the people of India stand in support of a Uniform Civil Code.

His remarks triggered a heated exchange between the treasury benches and the Opposition, with both sides engaging in a sharp war of words in the House.

When the Assembly reconvened after a 15-minute adjournment, Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar invited BJP MLA Sitasaran Sharma to speak on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill.

However, Congress legislators resumed their protest. Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar once again demanded that the Bill be referred to a Select Committee.

Amid sloganeering and disruptions, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya raised a point of order, urging the Speaker to allow Sitasaran Sharma to present his views without interruption.

At the same time, Congress MLAs continued raising slogans demanding 27% reservation for OBCs. Despite the uproar, Sharma completed his speech and concluded by saying, “Shame on such people.”

As the commotion continued, Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar said that differences of opinion are a normal part of democratic proceedings and asked all members to return to their seats.

When the Congress MLAs refused to calm down, the Speaker invited BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma to continue the discussion on the UCC Bill.

BJP MLA Sanjay Pathak said that everyone should be treated equally. He said caste-based discrimination and disputes remain a major cause of social tension in the country.

Pathak added that the day caste divisions come to an end, India will move much faster on the path of development. He said the entire country must move in one direction to eliminate caste-based discrimination.

Amid the continuing uproar over the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, Minister Rakesh Singh said the proposed law is in everyone’s interest and should not be opposed. He added that those opposing it could face political consequences in the future.

Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar once again appealed to both the ruling party and the opposition to continue the discussion and participate in the House proceedings. However, the protest continued, with Congress MLAs raising slogans. As the disruption persisted, the Speaker adjourned the House for another 15 minutes.

Amid the continuing uproar over the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar urged Congress MLAs to participate in the discussion. Standing in the House, he said that if the opposition presented its views during the debate, its objections and concerns could be addressed.

However, Congress legislators remained firm on their demand. Calling the UCC Bill unnecessary, they continued to raise the issue of OBC reservation and shouted slogans demanding its implementation.

After the House reconvened following a 10-minute adjournment, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar renewed his demand that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill be referred to a Select Committee. Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar said Singhar could raise his objections during the discussion on amendments. He also said that, under special privilege, the Leader of the Opposition could be allowed to speak before BJP members if he wished.

Meanwhile, Congress MLAs continued sloganeering and protesting in the House as the Speaker began seeking the views of BJP members on the Bill. Minister Prahlad Patel challenged the Congress to participate in the debate if it had the courage. Singhar responded by asking why the Centre had not implemented the UCC in Delhi first if the government was truly committed to it.

During the uproar, Congress MLAs also raised the issue of OBC reservation, chanting slogans demanding its implementation. They also raised slogans in support of tribal rights and dignity, while BJP legislators remained at their seats and raised slogans backing the government and the Bill.

Amid a heated confrontation and uproar between Congress and BJP legislators over the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar adjourned the House proceedings for 10 minutes.

Congress MLAs entered the Well of the House and raised slogans against the Bill, while BJP MLAs and ministers remained firm on their demand to continue the debate.

The Assembly witnessed a heated uproar as Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar repeatedly demanded that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill be referred to a Select Committee. His demand triggered a sharp exchange between Congress and BJP legislators.

Congress MLAs left their seats, gathered near the Well of the House, and raised slogans against the UCC Bill. Meanwhile, BJP MLAs and ministers remained seated and insisted that the discussion on the Bill should continue.

During the debate on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar raised a Point of Order questioning the legislative procedure. He argued that, under the Assembly rules, members should have been given notice of the Bill at least two days in advance, but that did not happen. He asked how the Bill could be introduced under such circumstances.

Responding to the objection, Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar said that in special circumstances, a Bill can be introduced and taken up for discussion on the same day. He clarified that the proceedings in this case were conducted in accordance with the Assembly’s rules and procedure.

During the Assembly debate on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, Congress MLA Arif Masood said the proposed law was an attempt to target and harass a particular community. He demanded that the Bill be referred to a Select Committee for detailed scrutiny before being brought before the House.

Masood also said that the UCC has not yet been implemented in Gujarat and that only the state Cabinet has approved it there. He argued that the rights granted to Muslims under Article 29 of the Constitution should not be taken away.

During the debate on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya responded to the Congress’ allegations through a Point of Order. He said the Bill was not drafted solely by the government but was prepared based on suggestions received from the public.

Vijayvargiya said that laws similar to the UCC have been implemented in other states as well. He added that the initiative is in line with the spirit of “One Nation, One Flag, One Constitution, One Leader.”

He claimed that the Bill reflects public opinion rather than just the government’s decision, stating that around 10 lakh people had submitted their suggestions and views on the proposed UCC.

During the Assembly debate on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, Congress MLA Atif Aqueel opposed the proposed provisions. He said that minorities are protected under Article 29 of the Constitution and argued that, like tribal communities, minority communities should also be granted relief and their constitutional safeguards should be preserved.

Atif Aqueel questioned the need to introduce the UCC in Madhya Pradesh when the Central Government has not yet implemented a Uniform Civil Code at the national level. He alleged that the Bill is being introduced as part of a political agenda.

The Madhya Pradesh government presented the Supplementary Budget in the Assembly. A one-hour discussion on the budget has been scheduled for Wednesday.

Following the presentation of the Supplementary Budget, the Assembly began debating the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill. A detailed discussion on the key legislation is underway between the ruling party and the opposition.

Congress MLA Sohan Lal Valmiki raised the issue of the explosion at the Green Light ACC factory in Jamunia Jethu village of Parasia during a Calling Attention motion. He sought the government’s response over the alleged non-payment of compensation to workers who were injured in the blast.

BJP MLA Ajay Bishnoi from Patan, Jabalpur, raised the issue of 175 farmers not receiving payment after wheat procurement under the government procurement scheme in Majholi block. He alleged that payments have remained pending due to the fake procurement of more than 5,000 quintals of wheat, causing widespread anger among farmers.

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Govind Singh Rajput said that an FIR has already been registered against the accused in the fake procurement case, and the main accused is currently out on bail granted by the High Court. He added that payments to the 175 farmers have been delayed because of this case.

Ajay Bishnoi further alleged that the wheat and paddy deposited by farmers later went missing, the procurement centre in-charge’s register disappeared, and the main accused deleted the CCTV footage. He demanded the formation of a high-level inquiry committee and sought his inclusion as a member.

Minister Govind Singh Rajput assured the House that the matter would be reinvestigated. He said a probe committee would be constituted, with Ajay Bishnoi included as one of its members, and strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty.

Kalapipal BJP MLA Ghanshyam Chandravanshi raised the issue of rescuing wild animals that damage crops under a pilot project. He asked whether the project would also be implemented in Shajapur and nearby districts.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav replied that wild animals causing damage to farmers’ crops have been rescued and relocated to tiger reserve areas. He said the government will continue to take decisions in such cases based on necessity.

CM also referred to a registry-related matter, saying that a decision on the issue would be taken through the Law Department.

In the Assembly, Congress MLA Pankaj Upadhyay alleged that the accused in a 2023 case registered in Morena district were being protected. He said that even after three years, the status of the case remains unclear and the accused have not been arrested.

He alleged that the accused are openly putting up posters and banners in the area, witnesses are being harassed, and the police have failed to take action.

Responding to the issue, Minister Krishna Gaur said that the police have not shielded any of the accused. She added that a chargesheet has already been filed in the case. However, the MLA pointed out that despite the filing of the chargesheet, the accused are still absconding.

Minister Krishna Gaur said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted and the accused will be arrested soon. Pankaj Upadhyay urged the government to arrest all 25 accused at the earliest to maintain public confidence in the justice system.

In the Assembly, Congress MLA Dinesh Jain (Boss) raised the issue of employees allegedly remaining attached to the election office even after the Ujjain Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. He sought details of employees attached to the Commissioner’s Office, District Election Office, and Tehsil Election Office. He also asked for information on pending payments for stationery, tents, lighting, and other election-related works.

Responding to the query, Minister of State Gautam Tetwal said that no employee is currently attached to the election office. He also clarified that no payments related to election stationery, tents, lighting, or any other election-related work are pending.

In the Assembly, Sidhi BJP MLA Riti Pathak sought information about the government’s plan to develop new industrial areas in the district. She asked in which panchayats industrial areas would be developed, how much land would be required, and whether only land allotment is considered part of the process of setting up industries.

She said that there were eight investment proposals for Sidhi district, but work appeared to be progressing on only three of them.

Industry Minister Krishna Gaur said,

After land allotment for setting up MSME units, a period of two years is given, while large industries are given three years. The establishment of proposed units will increase employment opportunities.

Riti Pathak said that Sidhi is still lagging behind in terms of industrial development. She informed that eight investment proposals were approved for the district during the 2025 investment process. Of these, one proposal is under process, discussions are underway on one, three investors have shown no interest, and work has started on three proposals.

BJP MLA Abhilash Pandey from Jabalpur’s North Central Assembly constituency arrived at the Assembly dressed in a fireman’s outfit.

The BJP MLA said that Congress and other parties were invited to present their views before the committee regarding the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), but they did not submit their opinions.

He said that more than 10 lakh people of Madhya Pradesh have shared their views, and there is a demand from all sections that the UCC should be implemented. He added that the UCC will be implemented in the state, regardless of what Congress does.

In the Assembly, Neemuch BJP MLA Dilip Singh Parihar targeted Congress and asked why the party supports “five marriages”. His remark led to a heated exchange of words between the ruling party and opposition members in the House.

BJP MLA Ghanshyam Chandravanshi said that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is not an issue of the BJP, but a matter of public demand. He said that Congress is opposing it but has failed to clearly explain the reason behind its opposition.

In the Assembly, Congress MLA Bala Bachchan raised questions over the timing of discussions on 16 bills. He said that if the bills were scheduled for discussion today, why were they taken up a day earlier. He questioned whether the government does not intend to run the House for the entire day.

Responding to this, the Assembly Speaker said that members should present their views when the discussion on the concerned issue takes place.

In the Assembly, Congress MLA Anubha Munjare raised the issue of regularisation of contractual employees. She asked whether contractual workers would be regularised only through an examination process. She also sought the government’s stand on providing the benefit of 730 days of Child Care Leave (CCL).

Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Gaur said,

The government is continuously working in the interest of contractual employees, and Madhya Pradesh’s policy is better than that of most states. However, she acknowledged that the process has not been fully implemented in several departments. The minister said that 50% of posts are reserved for direct recruitment.

Anubha Munjare said the issue concerns the future of around 1.5 lakh contractual employees and alleged that the government did not give a clear response on CCL. Responding to this, Minister Krishna Gaur said that provisions like Child Care Leave are applicable only to regular employees and not to contractual workers.

In the Assembly, Congress MLA Chanda Singh Gaur raised the issue of no action being taken against the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) of Chhatarpur district. She demanded the suspension of the CCF.

Responding to the matter, Minister of State for Forests Chetan Kumar Kashyap said that an inquiry is being conducted against the Chief Conservator of Forests. Further action will be taken based on the inquiry report.

However, MLA Chanda Singh Gaur remained firm on her demand for the officer’s suspension.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said several irrigation projects are not being completed on time because most of them are linked to the Narmada River, and the long distance causes delays in execution.

He said,

Considering this challenge, the government has launched the Parbati-Kalisindh River Linking Project. Through this initiative, arrangements are being made to provide irrigation water to areas where the supply of Narmada water was taking more time due to distance.

During the Question Hour in the Assembly, MLA Neena Verma raised the issue of delays in the Badnawar Lift Irrigation Project in Dhar district. She said,

The project was supposed to be completed by 2024, but it is still unfinished. Strict action against the contractor can help speed up the work. The Chief Minister should intervene. There should not be a need to raise this issue again in the Assembly.

The reply on the project was to be given by Minister Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, who was authorized by the Chief Minister, but in his absence, Minister Gautam Tetwal responded. He said the project’s progress has increased from 15% to 63% in the last two years. He cited COVID-19 as the main reason for the delay and said the government is continuously working to complete the project at the earliest.

He added that the project will be completed by 2027, and farmers will start receiving irrigation water from 2028. He also said drinking water supply will begin during 2027-28.

Congress MLA Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat said that the issue of delay in the project has been raised in the Assembly for the third time.

Before the start of the Assembly session, Congress MLAs led by Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar staged a symbolic play. Through the act, Congress alleged that the BJP government and RSS members remain asleep on issues concerning youth, students, farmers, and public interest, but wake up and become active immediately on communal issues like Hindu-Muslim, temple-mosque, and India-Pakistan.

Ahead of the start of the Assembly proceedings, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar convened a meeting of Congress MLAs.