Congress MLA stands in fertilizer queue wearing helmet:Kailash Kushwaha calls Shivpuri DM and says, ‘Patwaris are distributing coupons based on faces’; demands immediate action

In a rare show of ground-level inspection, Shivpuri’s Pohri MLA Kailash Kushwaha turned up as a farmer at the local agricultural produce market to personally check the arrangements for fertilizer distribution. Wearing a helmet to conceal his identity, the legislator stood in the farmers’ queue for almost an hour and witnessed the chaos firsthand. MLA waits in line to experience farmers’ plight MLA Kushwaha reached the Pohri Krishi Upaj Mandi early in the morning, blending in with hundreds of farmers waiting for fertilizer coupons. Farmers had reportedly been standing in line since 4 a.m. with no proper management or official supervision in sight. Kushwaha later revealed that the situation was disorganized, with no police, tehsildar, SDM, or any other responsible official present at the venue. “Farmers were being pushed and shoved in the crowd. The patwaris were distributing coupons selectively, based on people’s faces,” he said, alleging that real farmers were being deprived of tokens. MLA standing in the fertilizer distribution line
‘I saw the mismanagement myself,’ says MLA After observing the ground reality, MLA Kushwaha immediately called the Shivpuri Collector from the spot to inform him about the situation. He pointed out several issues — from lack of water arrangements for farmers to mismanagement in coupon distribution. “Some farmers had been standing since early morning and still didn’t receive their coupons even by 10:30 a.m., while a few others had already managed to get them beforehand,” Kushwaha told the Collector. He also alleged that fertilizer was being sold at prices higher than the government-fixed rate in several shops. “The administration must take strict action against such vendors and ensure fertilizer is sold only at approved prices,” the MLA demanded. ‘No officials, no police present’ Speaking to reporters, Kushwaha said, I disguised myself as a farmer and stood in line for nearly an hour. What I saw was alarming — there were no officers, no police present to manage the situation. Farmers were exhausted, waiting for hours under the sun without proper arrangements. I told the Collector that such negligence is unacceptable. According to eyewitnesses, the MLA also contacted Pohri TI (Station In-Charge) and urged him to reach the site. Soon after his intervention, police arrived at the mandi and brought the situation under control. ‘Patwaris were handing out coupons by face’ The MLA’s core concern was the alleged bias in coupon distribution. Farmers at the scene told him that patwaris were favoring certain individuals and denying coupons to genuine farmers. “Those with connections were getting fertilizer coupons first, while poor farmers were left helpless in long queues,” one farmer complained to Kushwaha. “We have been coming since dawn, but there is no system here. Some people are getting coupons even before standing in line.” The MLA said such favoritism defeats the purpose of equitable fertilizer distribution. “The coupons should be given fairly and transparently. No one should get preferential treatment based on recognition or influence,” he said. Collector informed, SDM promises better management Following Kushwaha’s phone call, the Shivpuri Collector reportedly sought a detailed report on the incident. Pohri SDM Anupam Sharma later admitted that there had been a brief lapse in management due to the absence of police at the spot. “There was a bit of crowding and pushing among farmers in the morning, but the situation was soon brought under control. From now on, proper arrangements will be ensured,” the SDM said. He added that those farmers who could not get coupons today will be issued tokens on upcoming dates to avoid further inconvenience.
MLA’s field visit draws attention to farmers’ issues Kushwaha’s surprise visit has sparked conversation in local political circles. Residents and farmers appreciated his gesture of experiencing the farmers’ struggle firsthand instead of relying solely on reports. A senior local farmer, speaking anonymously, said, It’s the first time we’ve seen an MLA stand with us in line. It sent a strong message that leaders should see our problems themselves, not just talk about them in meetings. Others said the MLA’s presence forced local authorities to take swift corrective action. “If he hadn’t come, nobody would have cared. Now at least the Collector and SDM know what’s happening on the ground,” said another farmer. Fertilizer shortage in the region The fertilizer distribution issue has been brewing in Shivpuri district over the past few weeks, with farmers complaining about insufficient stock and mismanagement during the agricultural season. Many have accused middlemen and local vendors of hoarding and overpricing fertilizers. Queues outside government-approved fertilizer centers have stretched for hours, often leading to scuffles and protests. Despite repeated assurances from the administration, farmers claim that ground-level distribution remains arbitrary and poorly organized. MLA’s message to the administration Kushwaha’s unannounced visit was intended to send a strong message to the district administration. “If public representatives have to stand in line to expose mismanagement, imagine what the farmers must be going through daily,” he remarked. He urged officials to conduct surprise inspections and ensure that both coupons and fertilizers reach genuine farmers without favoritism or exploitation. “Farmers are the backbone of our economy. They deserve respect, fairness, and efficient service — not hours of humiliation in queues,” he said.