Mahila Congress workers clash with police:Climb barricades during protest; attempt to gherao Dy CM Devda’s residence

The Madhya Pradesh Mahila Congress staged a protest in Bhopal on Thursday against the State government’s budget, alleging that it failed to provide relief to women from rising prices. The protesters marched to gherao the residence of Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Jagdish Devda, accusing the Mohan Yadav-led government of presenting a “hollow” budget that ignored the needs of women and common citizens. Women Congress workers gathered outside the State Congress office under the leadership of State Mahila Congress president Reena Borasi Setia before attempting to march towards Mr. Devda’s official residence. The protesters raised slogans against the government and criticised the budget for not addressing inflation-related concerns. During the demonstration, the Mahila Congress workers burnt an effigy of the Finance Minister outside the party office. Police personnel intervened to prevent the effigy burning, leading to a brief scuffle between the protesters and the police. Security was tightened in the area to prevent escalation. In a symbolic display of their protest, the women placed a scooter and a cooking gas cylinder on a handcart, highlighting the rising cost of essential commodities. The protesters said the budget had failed to offer any meaningful relief to women struggling with inflation and accused the government of betraying the people of Madhya Pradesh. Mahila Congress leaders said the State government had ignored issues affecting household expenses and daily survival, particularly for women managing families amid rising prices. They demanded concrete measures to reduce the financial burden on women and ordinary citizens. The police maintained vigil as the protest continued, while Congress leaders reiterated their opposition to the budget and vowed to intensify their agitation in the coming days. Memorandum submitted to police The protesters handed over a memorandum to police personnel, demanding measures to control inflation and reduce the financial burden on women. Police officials urged the protesters to submit their demands and disperse peacefully, while security was tightened at key intersections. Symbolic protest with scooter and gas cylinder Mahila Congress workers placed a scooter and a cooking gas cylinder on a handcart to highlight rising household expenses. In a dramatic gesture, Ms. Setia attempted to pull the gas cylinder past police barricades but was stopped by security personnel and asked to remain within the designated protest area. Attempt to burn effigy, brief scuffle with police The protesters also attempted to burn an effigy of Finance Minister Jagdish Devda outside the State Congress office. Police intervened to stop them, leading to a brief scuffle between women police personnel and Mahila Congress workers. Some protesters sat near the barricades, raised slogans, and sang devotional songs as part of their demonstration. Protesters vow to continue agitation Several protesters urged police to arrest them but allow them to proceed to the Minister’s residence. Mahila Congress leaders accused the State government of presenting a “hollow” budget that ignored women’s concerns and said their agitation against the government would continue in the coming days.