Sardar Patel-BR Ambedkar Statue Row Sparks Caste Clash In Madhya Pradesh

Violent clashes broke out between two caste groups in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain after a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was installed at a public square, where some wanted BR Ambedkar's statue. A police officer was injured, two-wheelers torched and shops vandalised during the violence. Police said the situation is now under control.

The incident has been reported from Makron, about 50 km from Ujjain city, which also happens to be the hometown of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. At a bus town in Makron, a section of OBC Patidar community wanted a statue of Sardar Patel, the country's first home minister and a Patidar icon. The local Dalit community, however, had been pushing for a BR Ambedkar statue at the spot. The dispute had reached the panchayat, which is yet to take a decision.

Last night, some unidentified persons installed a statue of Sardar Patel. Tension erupted this morning when members of a local Dalit organisation saw the statue. The statue was vandalised, triggering a sharp response from the Patidar community members. Soon after, stone-pelting began and shops were vandalised.

Police deployed heavy force in the area and managed to bring the situation under control.

Senior police officer Nitesh Bhargava said, "Top police officers are camping in the area. Discussions are being held with both sides. The situation is under control." The officer added that the local police station in-charge has been suspended on grounds of negligence.