Minister Kansana loses temper in Bhind:Flares up after being questioned on NH-719 exclusion from Union Budget during media interaction

Madhya Pradesh Agriculture Minister Aidal Singh Kansana, while interacting with the media on his visit to Bhind, reacted sharply to a question over the exclusion of the National Highway-719 (Bhind–Gwalior) from the Union Budget 2026–27. Kansana, on Tuesday, while speaking at a press conference, accused the media of repeatedly criticising the government, prompting strong objections from reporters present at the press conference.
The highway, locally known as the “bloody highway” due to frequent fatal accidents, did not find mention in the budget, triggering pointed questions from journalists. Question on NH-719 sparks confrontation The minister was in Bhind to outline the achievements and “positive aspects” of the Union Budget when Daily Bhaskar reporter Pawan Dixit asked why no provision had been made for the upgradation of NH-719 despite its alarming accident record. The reporter pointed out that the Bhind–Gwalior highway has remained a major accident-prone stretch for years, with nearly 200 to 250 deaths reported annually due to road accidents. The question visibly irritated the minister. “What is your name?” Kansana asked.
After the reporter identified himself, the minister replied, “You seem to have developed a habit of criticising the government.” The reporter responded that the issue was not criticism but a ground reality related to public safety. However, Kansana avoided the substance of the question and instead accused the media of highlighting negativity while ignoring the Centre’s positive initiatives. Journalists object to minister’s remarks Following the minister’s comments, journalists present at the venue collectively protested, stating that raising questions of public interest could not be dismissed as negativity. They stressed that NH-719 was a serious and long-standing issue for Bhind district, directly affecting the safety of thousands of commuters. The exchange briefly disrupted the press conference, shifting the focus from budget highlights to the issue of accountability and the media’s right to question those in power. BJP leaders intervene to calm situation As tensions rose, BJP district president Devendra Singh Narwaria and local MLA Narendra Singh Kushwah, who were seated on the dais, stepped in to defuse the situation. They reminded Minister Kansana that NH-719 is one of the most sensitive public-interest issues in the district. The leaders pointed out that protests have been ongoing for nearly two years over the condition of the highway and the rising number of fatalities. They also noted that saints, social organisations, and public representatives had earlier met Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, demanding immediate widening and improvement of the road. Minister avoids direct reply, ends press conference After listening to the intervention by local BJP leaders, Aidal Singh Kansana appeared to calm down. However, he still did not give any clear answer on why NH-719 was missing from the Union Budget. Soon after, he concluded the press conference and quietly left the venue. Earlier in the interaction, the minister had described the Union Budget as “historic” and “beneficial for farmers and the poor.” NH-719 remains a major public safety issue National Highway-719, which connects Bhind to Gwalior, has long been criticised for its narrow stretches, poor road design, and heavy traffic flow. Local residents and activists have repeatedly demanded its widening and modernisation, citing frequent accidents and a high death toll. The absence of any specific budgetary provision for the highway has once again brought the issue into focus, with renewed questions being raised about government priorities.