**Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Former CM Digvijaya Singh Stopped from Entering Sheetla Mata Bazaar Amid Communal Tensions**
Former Chief Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh was stopped by police on Saturday from entering Sheetla Mata Bazaar in Indore, where traders are reportedly facing pressure to remove Muslim employees.
Singh had planned to visit the temple and meet shopkeepers in the market. However, upon arrival, he was taken to Sarafa Police Station by authorities, leading to heated arguments between him and the officials.
The controversy arises from an appeal made by Eklavya Gaur, son of BJP MLA Malini Gaur, who urged traders in the area to dismiss Muslim workers. September 25 was set as the deadline for this demand, after which many shopkeepers, under mounting pressure, reluctantly terminated their Muslim staff.
As Singh’s convoy reached the market, BJP women workers protested by throwing bangles at him, shouting slogans, and staging demonstrations. Some local traders also displayed saffron flags and declared their opposition to Singh’s visit. Meanwhile, several women gathered near the police station carrying bangles, intending to present them to Digvijaya Singh as a mark of protest.
At the police station, Singh submitted a memorandum accusing the state government of encouraging communal divisions. He questioned, “Is it not a crime to threaten traders just because they employ Muslims? Why has the police not filed an FIR yet?” Singh further alleged that the ruling establishment was deliberately disturbing communal harmony for political gains.
The Congress leader has already filed a petition in the Indore High Court concerning the rising communal tensions in the city. The hearing for the petition has now been postponed to November 10.
Some traders in the market expressed feelings of helplessness, stating they were “forced to remove loyal employees under pressure.” They lamented that the atmosphere of brotherhood and unity, built over generations, was being systematically eroded.
Heavy police deployment, including RAF units, was stationed in the area to prevent any escalation during Digvijaya Singh’s visit.
Later in the day, Singh addressed a press conference at the Indore Press Club, where he commented on several political issues related to the situation and broader communal concerns.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/indore-news-digvijaya-singh-stopped-from-entering-sheetla-mata-bazaar-some-traders-protest-with-saffron-flags-women-throw-bangles-at-him
