Shivraj Chouhan Stages Sit-In Over Alleged Demolition of Tribal Homes in Sehore

Central Agriculture Minister and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan staged a sit-in in support of tribal families whose homes were demolished in Kosmi village of the Budhni assembly constituency in Sehore district. The action by the Forest Development Corporation and the district administration has triggered a political controversy, with allegations that the houses of around 12 Barela tribal families were demolished and standing crops were destroyed.

Chouhan, who reached the spot after learning about the incident, questioned the conduct of the officials and expressed strong displeasure over the action. He also spoke to Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary Ashok Varnwal by phone and demanded accountability from those responsible.

The incident took place in Kosmi village on Sunday, when the Forest Development Corporation and the district administration carried out a joint operation. During the operation, the kutcha and pucca houses of tribal families were demolished.

The affected families alleged that the bulldozers also destroyed their standing crops of maize and tur. They further alleged that a well used for drinking water and irrigation was filled with soil during the action. After the demolition, the families were left facing a crisis over shelter and daily necessities.

The matter has drawn greater attention because Chouhan said that he had instructed the district administration around a year ago not to demolish these houses. He also said that, after a complaint, the then Divisional Forest Officer, or DFO, had been removed.

Despite those instructions, the action was carried out again, raising questions about who authorised it, at what level the decision was taken and why the earlier directions were not followed. The incident has therefore brought the functioning of the administrative system under scrutiny.

Chouhan reached Kosmi on Sunday evening after receiving information about the demolition. On seeing the damaged houses and the distressed families, he expressed deep anger and concern. He said, “The height of injustice has been reached. Until this morning, children’s laughter echoed where screams are now echoing. Women are beating their chests and weeping.”

He sat among the affected families and listened to their problems. Chouhan assured them that they would not be left in such a condition. He said arrangements would be made for new pucca houses for the families whose homes had been demolished.

He also said that temporary arrangements for accommodation and food would be made until a permanent solution was put in place. The assurance came after the affected families described the difficulties they were facing following the demolition of their homes and the alleged destruction of their crops and well.

Chouhan’s anger increased further because no senior official was present at the site when he arrived. He spoke over the phone with Chief Secretary Ashok Varnaval and BJP state president Hemant Khandelwal, informing them about the situation.

While speaking about the treatment of the poor tribal families, Chouhan questioned the manner in which the action had been carried out. He said that these very people had made an important contribution to bringing the government to power.

His message was that injustice against poor and tribal people could not be tolerated. Chouhan said he would raise the entire matter before Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. He also said that strict action should be taken against the officials found responsible for the demolition.

The incident has given the Congress an opportunity to target the government. Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari and Leader of the Opposition Umang Singhar questioned the condition of the tribal families and raised the issue of a lack of coordination within the administration.

The Kosmi episode has now raised questions about administrative action, the accountability of officials and the rehabilitation of the affected tribal families. The biggest question is how the demolition took place despite the instructions that Chouhan said had already been issued.

The affected families have been assured of pucca houses, food and arrangements for accommodation. However, it remains to be seen when they will receive actual relief and what action will be taken against the officials who carried out the operation. Attention is now on the Chief Minister’s Office and the next steps to be taken by the administration.