Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge took to X on July 11, 2026, denouncing Madhya Pradesh as the "epicentre of corruption and plunder" under the BJP. He highlighted a purported ₹1,200‑crore rice scam, accusing the state government of diverting nutrition‑grade rice meant for children, pregnant women, and adolescent girls to private ethanol plants.

Details of the Rice Scam

According to Kharge, roughly five lakh metric tonnes of rice—intended for public distribution—were rerouted to ethanol manufacturers in collusion with rice millers, the so‑called “ethanol mafia,” and senior BJP officials. He described the diversion as a “game of profit,” asserting that the grain was looted with the connivance of the state machinery. State police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) that has already detained four individuals suspected of facilitating the fraud.

Historical Context of Corruption in Madhya Pradesh

The current allegations echo a series of past scandals. The 2013‑14 Vyapam scam, which involved bribery in government job recruitments and professional exams, exposed systemic weaknesses. Additionally, a controversial land‑expansion episode in Ujjain—allegedly involving Chief Minister Mohan Yadav—raised doubts about the misuse of government‑allocated land for private projects. Kharge warned that “one scam never ends before another surfaces,” underscoring a pattern of entrenched corruption.

Government Response and Ongoing Investigation

While the BJP has not outright denied the accusations, it has pledged a thorough, impartial probe. The SIT’s preliminary findings suggest that rice dispatched to empanelled ethanol units was siphoned off to private mills, re‑entered the procurement cycle, and subsequently sold back to government agencies. Investigators are scrutinising the roles of rice mill owners, transporters, and several officials within the state’s grain‑distribution network.

Political Implications Ahead of State Elections

The timing of the allegations is critical, as Madhya Pradesh gears up for assembly elections later this year. Kharge framed the issue as a “corruption capital” narrative, positioning Congress to capitalize on voter discontent. The BJP’s silence on the matter, coupled with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s muted response, may further fuel opposition momentum, especially if the SIT’s findings substantiate the claims.