Congress MLA on Hunger Strike for Kalaras Sugar Mill, Health Deteriorates

Hunger Strike Continues Amidst MLA's Declining Health

Morena, August 20, 2026 - The indefinite hunger strike by Congress MLA Pankaj Upadhyay demanding the revival of the Kalaras Sugar Mill in Madhya Pradesh's Morena district has entered its sixth day today.

Due to the continuous fasting, MLA Upadhyay's health has significantly deteriorated. Medical examinations revealed his blood pressure and sugar levels are critically low, and he has lost approximately 4 kilograms. His supporters and Congress workers are deeply concerned about his condition.

Despite his failing health, Mr. Upadhyay remains resolute in his demands and his commitment to saving the factory. Political support for the movement is growing, with State Congress President Jeetu Patwari scheduled to visit the protest site on August 21 to express solidarity.

Expectations for Government Intervention

The deteriorating health of the MLA has fueled public hope that the state government and administration will now take the issues surrounding the Kalaras Sugar Mill seriously. There is an expectation of a swift and positive resolution to prevent further harm to MLA Pankaj Upadhyay's health and to conclude the protest.

Thousands of farmers, youth, and Congress workers from across the district gathered at the protest site today to show their support for MLA Upadhyay.

MLA Appeals for Gandhian Protest Methods

Meanwhile, MLA Pankaj Upadhyay issued an appeal urging protestors to maintain a disciplined approach. He expressed regret over some individuals using abusive or casteist remarks against ruling party leaders, stating that such elements do not represent his movement.

Upadhyay reiterated that his protest is based on Gandhian principles and condemned any comments that hurt sentiments. He emphasized that while political differences are acceptable, personal animosity should be avoided, and appealed for the use of respectful language.

Impact of Factory Closure on Regional Prosperity

Sabalgarh MLA Baijnath Kushwah highlighted the detrimental impact of the factory's closure on the region. He recalled the prosperity of Morena district when the factory was operational and accused the current administration of ruining the district by shutting it down.

Kushwah lauded MLA Pankaj Upadhyay's struggle, who has vowed to go to any extent, including sacrificing his life, to restart the factory. He called for a complete shutdown in the Sabalgarh area on August 22.

Questions Raised Over MSME Transfer, Demand for Judicial Probe

L.N. Tyagi, convenor of the sugarcane growers' association, alleged that the factory was transferred to MSME based on false reports to suggest farmers' disinterest in sugarcane cultivation. He challenged the government to order an investigation by a retired judge within 2-3 days to uncover the truth.

Tyagi stressed that reopening the factory would boost employment and curb migration from the region.

Farmers Urged to Boycott Markets

Ashok Tiwari, State President of the National Farmers' Union, appealed to all 775 inhabited villages in Morena district to abstain from buying or selling anything in the markets in the coming days. He also urged them to organize village meetings and demonstrations to show solidarity with the protest.

Ekta Parishad's Support, 'Son of Chambal' Acclaimed

Dunger Sharma, State Convenor of Ekta Parishad, quoted National Convenor P.V. Rajagopal, who described MLA Upadhyay's movement as the first 'Son of Chambal' fighting for Gandhian values since 1972. Sharma clarified that the protest is solely for farmers' interests and aims to bring prosperity to the entire region through the factory's revival.