Indore: Dispute over dismissal of Muslim employees deepens, Digvijay Singh reaches police station, traders show bangles:

News Topical, Digital Desk : These days, Indore's Sheetla Mata Market has become not just a hub of business but also of politics. While shopkeepers ousted Muslim employees following an appeal by Eklavya Gaur, son of MLA Malini Gaur and BJP city vice president, the controversy took a new turn with the arrival of senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh.

In fact, last month, Eklavya Gaur appealed to local merchants not to employ people with a "jihadi mindset" in their shops and to expel them from their shops. Following this appeal, many shopkeepers fired employees belonging to the Muslim community, leading to religious polarization in the market.

Traders in support

On Saturday (September 27), traders in Sheetla Mata Bazaar not only came out in support of this appeal, but also decorated their shops with saffron flags and banners. Posters reading "Those supporting jihadist mindsets, go back!" were posted outside the shops. Upon receiving information about the arrival of Digvijay Singh at Sheetla Mata Bazaar, traders stood with bangles in their hands and promised to gift them to him upon his arrival.

Congress leader Digvijay Singh took the matter seriously and attempted to reach Sheetla Mata Market on Friday. However, he faced strong opposition. Traders were standing there holding bangles, and as his car approached, people threw the bangles and chanted slogans like "Stop supporting the jihadi mentality."

Digvijay Singh reached the police station amid tight security.

Digvijay Singh then went to the Sarafa police station and submitted an application. He was escorted to the Sarafa police station under police protection, where he discussed matters with officials and submitted a memorandum. However, traders there also raised slogans outside the station, accusing Digvijay Singh of promoting radical thinking. During this time, Digvijay Singh was seen avoiding the media.

Immediately after Digvijay Singh's departure, MLA's son Eklavya Gaur arrived at the market and met with the traders. He said that the traders have given a befitting reply to those who came here to disrupt the atmosphere solely for the sake of their vote bank politics. Those who support the "jihadi mentality" have been taught a lesson by the traders.

'We will not let peace be disturbed at any cost'

He stated that he would not allow the peace of this city to be disturbed at any cost. He added that he had not issued any such decree, nor had he ever used a Muslim name. If businessmen come together and make a decision regarding the respect of women, he stands with them.

'Atmosphere of harassing a particular class'

After returning from Sheetla Mata Bazaar, Rajya Sabha MP Digvijay Singh held a press conference. While answering several questions from the media, he also spoke about the term "jihad." He said, "Go to Google or social media and search for 'jihad.'" He also said that no riot can occur without the Chief Minister's direction, but the atmosphere being created is designed to harass a particular community.

It's worth noting that this controversy is no longer confined to just one market. The issue is now directly linked to religion, politics, employment, and the social fabric. While BJP supporters are calling it a matter of social consciousness, Congress and other opposition parties are calling it the politics of religious polarization.