‘Mohan’s working style is more energetic than Shivraj’:Amit Shah praises MP CM during Abhyuday Growth Summit in Gwalior; later addresses farmers’ conference in Rewa

Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Madhya Pradesh on Thursday, where he participated in the state-level Abhyuday Madhya Pradesh Growth Summit: Employment through Investment in Gwalior and later addressed a farmers’ conference in Rewa. In Gwalior, Shah, along with Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, inaugurated the Growth Summit, the Gwalior Trade Fair, and the Atal Museum at the Mela Ground. During the event, foundation stones were laid and completed projects dedicated for 1,655 industrial units with a total investment value of around ₹2 lakh crore. The projects are aimed at boosting employment and accelerating industrial growth in the state. Praise for Mohan Yadav, comparison with previous governments Addressing the gathering, Shah praised Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s working style, describing it as more energetic than that of former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Shah said that under Digvijaya Singh’s tenure, Madhya Pradesh had acquired the image of a ‘sick state’. He added that Shivraj Singh Chouhan worked to remove that tag, and now Mohan Yadav is taking the state forward with renewed energy. Shah’s remarks drew applause from the audience, particularly when he referred to Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia as ‘Raja Sahab’. See the visuals related to this… Atal Vajpayee’s legacy and tribal welfare Shah said that Gwalior holds a special place in India’s cultural and political history, being the birthplace of musician Tansen and a region associated with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He recalled Vajpayee’s political journey from Gwalior and said the country continues to remember his contributions. Shah pointed that Madhya Pradesh has the largest tribal population in India and said that before Vajpayee’s government, there was no concrete policy or separate department focused on tribal welfare. According to Shah, the Atal government created a dedicated tribal affairs department and strengthened tribal rights, laying the foundation for their development. Protests and black flags at the summit The event also saw protests by Congress workers. Some attendees wearing black jackets and sweaters were stopped at the venue and asked to remove them. Despite this, Congress women workers managed to show black flags during Shah’s address. The protest was led by Congress leader Jyoti Gautam and other women workers, demanding action against Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah over alleged inappropriate remarks against women. Women police personnel used mild force to escort the protesters out of the venue. Congress response and political reactions Reacting to the protest, Pradesh Congress Committee president Jitu Patwari said that promises made to provide ₹3,000 to Ladli sisters had not been fulfilled. He alleged that leaders who made the promise had gone to Delhi, while the state government had failed to act over the past two years. Patwari said the protest was meant to remind the Union Home Minister of those assurances. He added that women in the state were not seeking explanations but demanding their rights, alleging that the government had failed to protect their interests. Temple visit in Gwalior During his visit to Gwalior, Shah also offered prayers at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple at Moti Tabela. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia were present during the temple visit. Farmers’ conference in Rewa, focus on natural farming Later in the day, Shah addressed farmers at the Rewa Farmers’ Conference. Speaking about agriculture, he said natural farming could play a major role in increasing farmers’ income. Referring to the Basaman Mama Go-Vansh Wildlife Sanctuary, Shah said it serves as a guiding project for cattle herders and farmers, where natural farming using cow dung is being practiced. He claimed that the model has shown income potential of around ₹1.25 lakh per acre and, if adopted widely, could significantly improve farmers’ earnings. Natural farming as a sustainable alternative Shah described natural farming as a traditional practice that had been neglected over time. He said that with one indigenous cow, natural farming can be practiced on up to 21 acres without chemical fertilisers. According to him, preparations made from cow dung and urine help maintain soil fertility and prevent a decline in farmers’ income. Shah said around 40 lakh farmers across the country have already adopted natural farming. He added that he has personally practiced natural farming and claimed that it does not reduce production but increases it. Certification, market access and environmental message Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ensured certification of natural produce through modern laboratories. More than 400 laboratories across the country will provide certification to farmers, which will help them access global markets. He said natural farming produces healthier food, protects soil quality, and benefits public health. Shah also cautioned against excessive concretisation, saying it was inappropriate to turn land regarded as a mother into cement and concrete. Pledge to Plant Peepal trees Referring to Basaman Mama, who is remembered for protecting Peepal trees, Shah said two demonstration farms have been set up in the sanctuary in his name. He noted the cultural and environmental significance of the Peepal tree, citing religious beliefs and its high oxygen output. Shah announced that participants would plant five Peepal saplings each as a tribute, calling it a step toward environmental protection and sustainability.