Overview
- The remark was made at a state-level Sarpanch event at Bhopal’s Jamboree Ground, where he asserted Sarpanch authority and warned that secretaries who hinder work would be removed.
- A short video of the comment circulated on social media and intensified criticism of the Chief Minister’s language toward panchayat functionaries.
- State Congress president Jitu Patwari condemned the comment, sought an immediate apology, accused the government of undermining Gram Swaraj, and alleged large-scale corruption in the panchayat department.
- As of the latest reports, neither the Chief Minister’s office nor the state BJP had issued a public response to the controversy.
- At the same event, Yadav announced panchayat measures including approval for works up to Rs 25 lakh, Rs 50,000 per panchayat for development, offices and community halls for local bodies, a Nov 24–26 conference in Bhopal, and 2026 as the Year of Agriculture-Based Industries.