Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s public rebuke of Ratlam Superintendent of Police (SP) Amit Kumar during a crop inspection visit has gone viral, sparking political reactions and debate over administrative preparedness.

The incident unfolded in Kariya village, where Yadav arrived to inspect standing crops affected by recent rains. Video footage shows the chief minister walking through the fields as a large crowd pressed in around him. Annoyed by the lack of crowd control, Yadav abruptly stopped and demanded, “Where is the SP? Do I have to manage the arrangements myself?”

Moments later, SP Amit Kumar rushed to the spot, nodding repeatedly and saying “Yes, sir. No, I will do it sir” as Yadav continued to express displeasure over the inadequate security and arrangements. The exchange, captured on camera, spread quickly on social media, drawing sharp reactions.

Supporters of the chief minister argue that he was right to call out the police for failing to ensure smooth arrangements during an important visit. Critics, however, say such public dressing-downs demoralise officers and should have been done privately.

Congress leader Jitu Patwari took the opportunity to criticise Yadav’s governance style. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Patwari wrote: “Mr Chief Minister, you seem to be working seriously for photos, reels, videos, media headlines — perhaps you believe that is what matters. But farmers actually need surveys, fertilisers, seeds, insurance, compensation, timely decisions and funds from the state exchequer. Please focus on that.”

Officials accompanying the chief minister said that crop surveys are being conducted and compensation will be distributed after the assessment is completed.

Officials accompanying the chief minister said crop surveys are already underway and compensation will be distributed once assessments are completed.

– Ends