Tue Mar 11 05:58:29 UTC 2025: ## Stage Collapse Injures Congress Leaders During Bhopal Farmer Protest
**BHOPAL, INDIA** – A protest by the Madhya Pradesh Congress party turned chaotic Monday when a stage collapsed, injuring several leaders and workers. The incident occurred during a large demonstration in Bhopal’s Rang Mahal square, where Congress members were protesting the state government’s handling of farmer issues, specifically demanding Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for rice and wheat.
Among the injured were State Congress President Jitu Patwari, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar, and MLA Sachin Yadav. Following the collapse, party workers rushed to help the injured leaders.
The protest, which involved a large gathering, was headed towards the state assembly before police intervened with water cannons to disperse the crowd.
Patwari stated the protest was to hold the BJP government accountable for unmet promises to farmers, youth, and women. He emphasized the party’s demand for an MSP of ₹3100 per quintal for rice, ₹2700 for wheat, and ₹6000 for cotton, criticizing the Union Agriculture Minister (who hails from the state) for his silence on the matter. The Congress plans continued protests at mandis (agricultural markets) over the next two months if procurement targets aren’t met.
Singhar echoed the party’s commitment to farmers’ rights, vowing to continue the fight. He also criticized the Kisan Sangh, a farmers’ organization linked to the BJP, for failing to deliver on its promises.
The incident highlights the escalating tensions between the Congress party and the ruling BJP over agricultural policies in Madhya Pradesh. The extent of the injuries sustained by the Congress leaders and workers remains unclear.
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