Mon Mar 24 17:17:43 UTC 2025: **BJP MLA Faces Party Action for Criticizing Land Acquisition for Kumbh Mela**
**Bhopal, March 24, 2025** – Chintamani Malviya, a BJP MLA from Alot in Madhya Pradesh, has received a show-cause notice from his party for criticizing the state government’s land acquisition plans for the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Ujjain. The notice, issued on March 23rd by state BJP chief V.D. Sharma, follows Malviya’s objections during the Assembly’s Budget Session to the permanent acquisition of farmland.
Malviya expressed concerns about farmers being forced to give up their land permanently, a departure from previous temporary acquisitions. He also questioned the government’s plan to build a permanent “spiritual city,” arguing that spirituality isn’t confined to concrete structures. He voiced suspicions of land mafia involvement.
Congress MLA Mahesh Parmar echoed Malviya’s concerns. While the BJP notice, issued at the direction of national president J.P. Nadda, didn’t explicitly mention the land issue, a senior BJP leader confirmed that Malviya’s remarks prompted the action from party headquarters in New Delhi. Malviya himself downplayed the situation, calling it an internal party matter, and pledged to respond formally after receiving the notice.
Leader of the Opposition Umang Singhar criticized the BJP’s action, urging the government to ensure fair compensation for farmers and avoid forced land acquisitions. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had previously announced plans for permanent infrastructure, including ashrams, for the Kumbh Mela, drawing parallels to Haridwar.
First Piper 