Dalit Organizations Withdraw Protest in Madhya Pradesh Amid Escalating Ambedkar Statue Controversy and Preventive Security Measures

Amid growing caste tensions in Madhya Pradesh, the local administration has implemented extensive preventive measures throughout the region.

Bhopal:

Multiple Dalit organizations across Madhya Pradesh have decided to withdraw from their planned October 15 protest in Gwalior following a major controversy over derogatory comments made about BR Ambedkar, the renowned Dalit icon and Constitution architect. This decision was reached after discussions between administrative officials, police forces, and Dalit group representatives.

"We have discovered that certain anti-social elements were attempting to exploit this situation to create social unrest," explained a spokesperson from one of the Dalit organizations. "We hold the Constitution in high regard and wish to prevent any damage to life or property. Therefore, we have collectively decided to distance ourselves from any demonstrations scheduled for October 15," the representative further stated.

Despite this withdrawal announcement, tensions continue to persist regarding the proposed installation of an Ambedkar statue within the premises of the Gwalior Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

While several lawyer associations and Dalit organizations have advocated for the statue's installation, a faction of attorneys has voiced opposition. Supporters emphasize Ambedkar's crucial contribution in drafting India's Constitution, while opponents maintain that court premises should remain neutral and devoid of symbolic representations. The situation intensified after High Court lawyer Anil Mishra made inflammatory remarks about Dr. Ambedkar in a video that went viral, describing him as "a slave-agent of the British and a liar".

These comments triggered widespread outrage across the Gwalior-Chambal region, resulting in multiple police complaints against Mishra.

Dalit organizations, including the Azad Samaj Party, Bhim Army, and OBC Mahasabha, had originally called for a significant protest on October 15, demanding accountability for Mishra and insisting on the installation of Ambedkar's statue within the High Court premises.

Concurrently, upper-caste groups announced counter-demonstrations to "display their strength," raising concerns about potential confrontations.

The administration has launched comprehensive preventive operations, drawing from lessons learned during the April 2, 2018 caste violence that erupted throughout the Gwalior-Chambal region.

Gwalior police have conducted riot-control exercises and nighttime flag marches. Authorities are maintaining continuous surveillance, with checkpoints established at 50 entry points around the city.

The district administration has also removed over 260 inflammatory social media posts and issued notices to more than 50 individuals.

Approximately 700 additional security personnel are being deployed, with forces stationed at 30 checkpoints across five districts within the Chambal region.

Collector Ruchika Chauhan confirmed that discussions between administration officials and community representatives have yielded positive outcomes. "There will be no protests on the 15th, only Diwali shopping activities. Orders have also been issued prohibiting public display of licensed weapons," she stated.

Meanwhile, CCTV cameras and security personnel have been positioned at lawyer Anil Mishra's residence. After Mishra's controversial remarks spread online, the Bhim Army escalated tensions by declaring that "one lakh shoes" would be sent as symbolic punishment. The Bar Association organized a counter-protest, blocking roadways outside the district court and burning Mishra's effigy.