By Special Correspondent
Bhopal: Relief swept through a group of affected tribal families on Monday as they received news of a stay order halting the proposed demolition of their homes. The families had gathered at the residence of Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jeetu Patwari, where confirmation of the court’s decision brought visible joy and ended months of anxiety.
Addressing the families, Patwari said the issue was not merely about houses, but about the lifetime savings, security of future generations and the very existence of poor tribal households. He remarked that a government must belong to the people, especially the poor, and warned that a system causing such distress to marginalised citizens goes against the spirit of democracy.
Patwari noted that women in the tribal settlement had been living in the area for 60 to 70 years, building small homes in narrow lanes through loans and hardship. He criticised the administration for issuing demolition notices in the name of constructing a Manas Bhavan, calling the move unjust and insensitive.
Questioning the moral basis of the action, he said it was ironic that institutions associated with Gandhian values were being cited while uprooting long-settled poor families. He also criticised the government for speaking of women’s empowerment amid rising inflation, even as homes were threatened during crucial examination periods. Patwari credited the judiciary for restoring hope and thanked former minister P.C. Sharma, Bhopal Municipal Corporation Leader of Opposition Savita Zaki and the media for their sustained support. He reiterated that the Congress would continue to stand with the poor, tribals and the marginalised.
