With emotional undertones, he remarked, “When a train derails, not only do the coaches break, but a mother’s lap becomes empty, a child’s future sinks into darkness, and an old father’s last hope is snatched away.” He also reminded the audience of the government’s promise to modernize 400 railway stations, claiming that only 20 had been upgraded to airport-like standards so far.
Applause from CM Mohan Yadav
The most striking part of the event came after the speech, when Chief Minister Mohan Yadav took the microphone. Rather than dismissing the remarks, Yadav called for a “big round of applause” for Sanghamitra. “He put forth his views fearlessly on the topic given to him. There is no prohibition in that,” Yadav said. He added, however, that some corrections could be made in choosing such topics in the future.
By publicly praising the mayor’s son, Yadav managed to defuse any brewing controversy and turn the moment into a celebration of free expression, even when it came from within his own party circle.
Congress Leaders Join in Praise
The Congress quickly picked up on Sanghamitra’s words. Senior leader and former chief minister Digvijaya Singh described him as an “impressive speaker” on social media, indirectly suggesting that the youth were voicing dissatisfaction with the government’s record.
This endorsement added a political edge to what was originally intended as an academic debate. Congress leaders framed the speech as symbolic of broader concerns about governance, particularly in infrastructure and public safety.
Mayor Pushyamitra’s Response
For Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava, who has built a reputation in Indore as a disciplined administrator and advocate of smart city projects, the episode could have been awkward. But he quickly dismissed suggestions of a controversy. “These were his own views. He spoke both for and against. The organisers rewarded him for his performance. The Congress, as always, mistakes sports for politics and politics for sports,” he said.
Bhargava’s response underscored the non-political setting of the competition, while simultaneously defending his son’s right to free expression. His stance appeared to align with CM Yadav’s attempt to prevent the issue from escalating into partisan bickering.
Significance Beyond the Stage
The incident highlights the importance of platforms where young voices can express independent opinions. Sanghamitra’s speech resonated not just because of its content but also because it came from within a prominent BJP family. It showed that even in political strongholds, critical questions about governance can find space.
For Congress, the remarks provided fresh ammunition to question the government’s infrastructure track record. For the BJP, CM Yadav’s reaction reflected a careful balancing act — appreciating youthful candour while reaffirming confidence in the government’s policies. The episode is already being viewed as a reminder of the role debate, dissent, and dialogue play in a healthy democracy.
More details about government infrastructure projects and railway safety measures can be found on the Press Information Bureau and the Indian Railways portal.
