Political Clash Erupts at Bhopal Gas Tragedy Memorial Rally Over Controversial Effigy

Police intervened and confiscated the controversial effigy to prevent the situation from escalating further.

Bhopal:

A peaceful commemoration marking the 41st anniversary of the Bhopal gas tragedy descended into conflict on Wednesday when RSS and BJP supporters confronted gas victims' organizations over an effigy displayed during their memorial march.

The annual remembrance rally, which proceeded from Bharat Talkies underbridge toward JP Nagar Gas Memorial, was organized by survivors' groups advocating for overdue justice, stronger measures against Union Carbide and Dow Chemical, and adequate rehabilitation for victims. The situation became tense when participants carried an effigy representing Union Carbide, Dow, and other companies connected to the 1984 industrial disaster.

Members of the RSS and BJP claimed the effigy depicted an "RSS worker" and confronted the marchers, accusing them of offending religious and organizational sentiments. The protestors demanded removal of the effigy, labeling it as "provocative" and "anti-national."

The gas victims' groups firmly denied these accusations, clarifying that the effigy solely represented the corporations responsible for the tragedy rather than any social or political organization. They countered that the BJP government was "protecting Dow Chemical" and hindering attempts to hold culpable companies accountable, suggesting the confrontation was politically motivated.

As the dispute intensified, law enforcement officers intervened by confiscating the controversial effigy to maintain order. Police personnel present at the scene avoided making detailed statements regarding the controversy.

Following the incident, RSS-BJP supporters demanded legal action, alleging "anti-national activities" were being conducted under the pretense of a memorial rally. They insisted the effigy's representation was a calculated attempt to provoke and "spoil the atmosphere."

The gas victims' organizations remained steadfast in their position, emphasizing that 41 years after the catastrophe, survivors continue to await justice. They argued that both state and central governments have failed to implement meaningful action against Union Carbide, Dow Chemical, and their affiliated companies despite continuous appeals.

A BJP representative at the scene alleged that organizers tried to "vitiate the atmosphere by carrying an effigy mimicking an RSS-associated figure," declaring such actions unacceptable.

While commemorative rallies and memorial events occur annually on the tragedy's anniversary, this year's observance was overshadowed by political confrontation. Police authorities have urged all involved parties to maintain peace as the incident continues to generate reactions throughout the city.