Two Years of Mohan Yadav Government in MP: Swift Decisions, Bold Claims—and Major Challenges Ahead

Bhopal: As the Madhya Pradesh government under Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav completes two years in office (2023–2025), the tenure presents a mixed picture of decisive governance, ideological assertiveness, and unresolved structural challenges. While the government highlights gains in investment promotion and control over Left-wing extremism, issues such as law and order, unemployment, mounting debt and the Chief Minister’s controversial statements continue to test its credibility.

Dr Yadav assumed office on December 13, 2023, and within the first 48 hours, sent a strong political message with three rapid decisions that defined the tone of his administration.

Three Hardline Decisions Within 48 Hours

Soon after taking charge, the Chief Minister:

• Ordered strict regulation of loudspeakers at religious places
• Enforced a ban on open sale of meat and eggs
• Initiated bulldozer action against criminal properties

To curb noise pollution, the government constituted flying squads empowered to act on violations and introduced weekly reviews of sound levels at religious sites. These moves were projected as firm governance, but critics termed them symbolic and polarising.

Rising Crime, Especially Against Women and Tribals

Despite claims of “zero tolerance,” crime statistics have raised concern. Crimes against women and tribal communities have seen a noticeable rise, particularly in districts like Dhar, Jhabua and Khargone.

According to NCRB 2023 data, Madhya Pradesh ranked second nationally in crimes against Scheduled Tribes with 2,858 registered cases, and continues to top the list in crimes against women. The opposition Congress has alleged a complete breakdown of law and order, while experts argue that bulldozer politics cannot substitute institutional policing reforms.

Unemployment Remains a Core Challenge

The government declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Industry’, projecting investments worth ₹8–8.57 lakh crore and the creation of 23 lakh jobs through the Global Investors Summit and regional conclaves.

However, ground realities paint a different picture. While CMIE and PLFS data show Madhya Pradesh’s overall unemployment rate below the national average (1.6–2%), youth and rural unemployment remains persistent. Large projects have generated limited employment, reinforcing concerns of jobless growth. The Congress has accused the government of pushing the state deeper into unemployment and debt.

Controversial Statements by the CM

One of the biggest image challenges for the government has been the Chief Minister’s sharp and controversial remarks. In November 2025, during a sarpanch conference, his statement targeting panchayat secretaries—“We will remove them; who do they think they are?”—triggered a political storm. Earlier remarks perceived as insensitive towards persons with disabilities also drew criticism.

While the government defends the language as part of “fast delivery governance,” critics warn that such rhetoric damages bureaucratic morale and democratic ethos.

Corruption Allegations and Rising Debt

Irregularities in the Jal Jeevan Mission brought embarrassment to the government after a minister’s name surfaced in allegations. Though the CM ordered a probe, the department later termed the complaint baseless. Smaller cases of fraudulent payments, however, were confirmed.

Meanwhile, the state’s debt has climbed to ₹4.75 lakh crore, raising concerns about fiscal sustainability.

Conclusion

After two years, the Mohan Yadav government can claim progress in investment outreach and Naxal control, but faces serious tests on law and order, employment, governance transparency and public communication. Its long-term success will depend on whether it moves beyond headline-driven actions to deep structural reforms and meaningful public engagement.

With rising public expectations and sustained opposition pressure, the next phase of governance will be a crucial litmus test for the Chief Minister and his administration.