Congress Protests in Indore Over Cuts to Pensions and Rations

Members of the Congress party in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, organized a protest on October 5, 2023, demanding the immediate restoration of pensions and free rations for beneficiaries. The demonstration took place at the office of the divisional commissioner and drew significant participation from elderly citizens and families impacted by the recent cuts to these essential benefits. Protesters expressed that the cessation of pensions and ration supplies had thrust them into a state of crisis.

The protest, led by city Congress president Chintu Choukse, highlighted the plight of many elderly individuals who had been removed from the pension list without prior notification. Families who had lost their access to free rations also joined the gathering, voicing their grievances about the hardships they faced due to the cuts. In anticipation of the event, local authorities set up barricades around the office and deployed Vajra vehicles, although protest leaders did not attempt to breach the barriers.

During the rally, Choukse addressed the crowd via loudspeakers, accusing the Indore Municipal Corporation and the district administration of arbitrarily cutting benefits. He emphasized the need to raise the pension amount from the previous ₹600 to ₹1,500 and called for the restoration of pensions without the requirement of a poverty line ration card, which many citizens struggled to obtain. “The government has halted ration supplies for thousands of individuals over the past six months, pushing them into extreme hardships,” Choukse asserted.

He further warned that if pensions and rations were not reinstated within two months, the Congress party would escalate its protests, including road blockades throughout the city. Choukse also reminded officials of their pre-assembly election promise under the Ladli Behna scheme, which assured women a monthly payment of ₹3,000, yet many were currently receiving only ₹1,250.

The emotional toll of the cuts was evident as elderly citizens shared their experiences during the protest. Some women broke down while recounting their struggles to secure basic necessities after the cessation of pensions and rations. The gathering included numerous Congress leaders, such as district president Vipin Wankhede and other party members including Deepu Yadav, Pintu Joshi, and Neelabh Shukla.

Additionally, the City Women Congress president Sonali Mimrot and District Women Congress president Reeta Dangre submitted a memorandum to a government officer, addressed to the Chief Minister, outlining the demands of the protesters. The protest underscored the ongoing tensions regarding welfare provisions in Indore, reflecting a broader concern about the impact of government decisions on vulnerable populations.