By Special Correspondent
Bhopal: The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) on Tuesday held a forceful demonstration in the state capital, accusing the Madhya Pradesh government of shielding an expanding drug network after the arrest of Minister Pratima Bagri’s brother. NSUI leaders alleged that despite his arrest with nearly 50 kg of cannabis, the government was deliberately avoiding action, raising suspicions of high-level protection for the narcotics trade.
NSUI state president Ashutosh Chouksey directly questioned state government, asking whether he would seek Minister Bagri’s resignation following the seizure and whether he intended to take strict action at her residence. Chouksey added that the government appeared determined to suppress the entire matter.
He further stated that NSUI members had attempted to march to the Chief Minister’s residence carrying a garland made of cannabis leaves as a symbolic protest, intending to ask why drug operations were allegedly being run from the homes of ministers. Chouksey claimed this reflected an environment where the drug racket was flourishing under state patronage, warning that the ruling dispensation was pushing Madhya Pradesh towards becoming an “Udta Madhya Pradesh”.
During the demonstration, police detained around 50 NSUI workers, including the state president and vice-president. The organisation has warned of an intensified statewide agitation if the government fails to act against the drug network and if Minister Bagri does not resign.
