M.P. CM announces financial aid to people died in Bhojshala movement; govt to build Saraswati corridor, research centre

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday (May 25, 2026) announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh each to the families of the three people who had died during the February 2003 protests and clashes with the security personnel for the Bhojshala temple, as he performed worship at the site in Dhar. 

Mr. Yadav’s visit comes 10 days after the Madhya Pradesh High Court declared the earlier disputed Bhojshala temple-Kamal Maula mosque complex a temple dedicated to goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati) and an ancient centre of Sanskrit learning. The court dismissed the Muslim community’s claim that it believes the site to be a 14th century mosque. 

Mr. Yadav also announced construction of a ‘Saraswati Lok’ corridor and establishment of a research centre in the name of King Bhoja while terming the Bhojshala verdict the “result of a 750-year-long struggle”. 

The three men were Van Singh Araadi, Lakshman Singh, and Anwar Singh, residents of different villages in Dhar district. They had died after leaders of various Hindu organisations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, had launched a movement in February 2003, demanding complete access to the site, claiming that it was a temple built by the 11th-century ruler of the Parmar dynasty, King Bhoja. They were declared martyrs for the cause by the Hindu outfits. 

“Dhar is now stepping into a new era. I congratulate the residents of Dhar on this judgment by the High Court. Underlying this verdict is your 750-year-old struggle. In this matter, the Court has clearly distinguished right from wrong,” Mr. Yadav said at an event in Dhar. 

“I announce the establishment of a ‘Maa Saraswati Lok’ (Realm of Goddess Saraswati). Everything you have ever wished for will come to fruition right here. This place is destined to become a vibrant hub for both tourism and literature. I also take this opportunity to announce the establishment of the Raja Bhoj Research Institute,” he said. 

Mr. Yadav also laid foundation to various development projects worth more than Rs88,000 crore in the district.