Satna (Madhya Pradesh), May 11 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari on Monday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government of pushing the state towards “jungle raj” through rising crime, corruption, and alleged political interference in the administration.

Addressing a press conference in Satna, Patwari alleged that the law and order situation had deteriorated sharply under the rule of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Referring to a recent report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the state Congress chief claimed that nearly 32 per cent of crimes registered in the country were reported from Madhya Pradesh. He further alleged that the state continued to rank high in crimes against women, children, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and senior citizens.

Patwari alleged that BJP ministers, MLAs, their relatives, and party workers had been given a “free hand” to pressure government officials and engage in unlawful activities. According to him, several recent incidents reflected the growing influence of ruling party leaders over the administrative machinery.

Referring to the recent controversy involving BJP MLA Pritam Lodhi, Patwari alleged that the legislator had threatened officials and used abusive language.

“When leaders of the ruling party themselves try to intimidate officers, law and order cannot be maintained,” he said.

The Congress leader further claimed that Madhya Pradesh was witnessing a situation once associated with states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

“Criminals are fearless, and the government is acting as a mute spectator,” he said, adding that ordinary citizens were increasingly feeling insecure.

Patwari also targeted the BJP government over corruption, alleging that bribery had become institutionalised in government offices.

“If you toss a coin of corruption, one side will show BJP and the other corruption,” he remarked, accusing the government of failing to ensure transparency in governance.

He challenged officials in the Satna and Rewa divisions to identify any office where public work was being carried out without corruption, saying the Congress would publicly honour such an office.

Patwari said the Congress respected democratic values and accepted the people’s mandate, but maintained that it remained the opposition’s responsibility to raise public concerns and expose government failures.

He added that the Congress would continue to question the government over rising crime, women’s safety, corruption, and administrative shortcomings in the state.

The BJP had not responded to the allegations till the filing of this report.

–IANS

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