Tensions between the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities reached a boiling point as an unruly mob broke and set fire to the statue of former Union Home Minister Sardar Vallabhai Patel, escalating a decade-long dispute over the installation of statues.
In a tumultuous incident in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district, two groups engaged in a clash as the statue of former Union Home Minister Sardar Vallabhai Patel was broken and set on fire by an unruly mob using tractors. The clash unfolded between the Malviyas, belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC), and the Patidars, belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC). The conflict arose when members of the Patidar community installed Patel's statue in Makdone tehsil.
The situation in Makdone tehsil remained peaceful on Republic Day, with markets opening and people unfurling the national flag. The previous day, members of both communities clashed and threw stones at each other after an unidentified group pulled down Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's statue.
"The situation in Makdone is peaceful, with markets operating normally. The national flag was unfurled at three places in the town," said Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP-Rural) Nitesh Bhargava, adding that the police are keeping a close watch. Thursday's clash, though not resulting in injuries, prompted a significant police presence in the Makdone area, located around 50 km from the district headquarters.
The discord between the two communities over the installation of statues has persisted for over a decade, with differences arising over whether to install a statue of Dr. BR Ambedkar or Patel. The local nagar panchayat had not taken any action regarding the installation of Patel's statue, contributing to the escalating tension.
During the clash, stones were hurled between the two groups, resulting in injuries to two policemen and two others. The statue was not only broken with a tractor but also set ablaze, with saffron flags also being ignited. Videos of the incident circulated on social media, capturing the intensity of the confrontation.
Police response included the lodging of three FIRs, with sections related to rioting and the SC/ST Atrocities Act. The situation prompted the suspension of the local police station in-charge. Despite the tense atmosphere, the town witnessed heavy police deployment in riot gear, with peace being maintained through flag marches and area domination exercises.
Leaders from both communities provided contrasting perspectives on the incident. Patidar leaders claimed they had permission to install Patel's statue and accused the SC community of instigating the violence. SC leaders, on the other hand, expressed concerns over the lack of permissions and accused local BJP leaders of failing to maintain law and order.
The political dimension also emerged, with BJP leaders acknowledging their promise of a Patel statue but citing ungranted permissions. Congress MLA Mahesh Parmar emphasized the need for unity between the communities and questioned the circumstances surrounding the installation at night.