Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav underscored the role of fairs in providing employment to hundreds of people during his address at the New Year Fair in TT Nagar on January 31, 2026.
Speaking to the gathering, CM Yadav stated, “How many people are getting employment from this fair. People are getting benefits in several ways. Fairs are important; they give opportunities. Several people participate in 2-3 fairs only every year and live on that livelihood for the entire year.”
He further noted the significance of fairs in promoting Swadeshi ideals: “On this occasion, when we talk about Swadeshi, fairs have their own importance in Swadeshi. Just as the water chestnut is available during the winter, the mango is available during the summer. We have such a wide variety of products. The Prime Minister is promoting Shri Anna (coarse grains); we too should give importance to Shri Anna.”
Earlier on the same day, CM Yadav criticised the Congress party following an incident where a Congress woman councillor, Fauzia Sheikh Alim, allegedly refused to sing ‘Vande Mataram’ during the proceedings of the Indore Municipal Corporation.
Reacting to the event, he questioned the party’s leadership, stating, “A Congress councillor’s refusal to sing Vande Mataram in the municipal corporation house proceedings was unfortunate, reflecting the character of a Congress representative. Congress State president Jitu Patwari and National president and leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi must explain why their members are encouraged to behave in this manner, insulting the sacrifices of patriots.”
CM Yadav expressed his distress over the incident and demanded accountability from the state Congress leadership.