MLA Continues Hunger Strike to Reopen Kailaras Sugar Mill, Enters Third Day

Hunger Strike Enters Third Day

Kailaras | August 17, 2026 | The indefinite hunger strike by MLA Pankaj Upadhyay to demand the reopening of the Kailaras Cooperative Sugar Mill and safeguard farmers' rights continued for the third day. He emphasized that farmers' interests would not be compromised under any circumstances and vowed to continue the fight until his last breath.

The MLA has been consuming only water since the commencement of the protest. The movement has garnered support from leaders of various political parties. Dharmendra Chauhan, State President of Kisan Congress, stated that farmers from every village must unite to save the factory for success to be achieved.

Pradeep Ahirwar, State President of Scheduled Caste Congress, described the struggle as a fight for the rights and employment of youth and farmers, extending beyond just the sugar mill. Datia MLA Ghanshyam Singh expressed solidarity with the people and farmers of Kailaras, asserting that the government would be forced to yield to the farmers' demands.

Widespread Support for the Movement

Former Minister Balendu Shukla stressed the importance of unwavering determination to make the government listen and take notice. Ram Sesh Baghel, District President of Congress Committee, Bhind, characterized the agitation as a 'final and decisive battle,' vowing that the Congress party would see it through to its conclusion.

Gwalior Rural MLA Sahab Singh Gurjar, referencing the history of Congress party sacrifices, stated that no compromise would be made unless a decision aligned with the public's rights was reached. Mehgaon Assembly candidate Rahul Bhadauria highlighted that MLA Pankaj Upadhyay has sent a message across the nation to fight for rights, expressing full confidence in his victory.

Congress State General Secretary Awadhesh Nayak assured MLA Pankaj Upadhyay that he is not alone, with thousands standing with him. Referencing the incident at the Dabra Sugar Mill, he vowed that a similar situation would not be allowed to occur in Kailaras.

Key Supporters Participating in the Protest

Key individuals participating in a relay hunger strike in support of MLA Pankaj Upadhyay, alongside farmers and Congress leaders, include:

• Vinod Dubey
• Brijkishore Sakhwar
• Suresh Dhadhad
• Harivilas Dhadhad
• Chandrapal Dhadhad
• Shivcharan Sarpanch
• Kanhaiyalal Dhadhad
• Adiram Dhadhad
• Harisingh Jadon
• Mansingh Dhadhad, President Block Congress Committee
• Soneram Dhadhad
• Harivilas Dhadhad
• Matadeen Rajaksh
• Suresh Patel
• Ramchandra Patel
• Chandan Dhadhad
• Rameshchand Dhadhad
• Vijaysingh Dhadhad
• Dilip Rajauria