Ujjain: Protests erupt as demolition work in Shahi Masjid campus continues
Tensions rise in Ujjain as stone pelting and protests erupt following the demolition of part of the Shahi Masjid campus for road widening projects.
A high-security blanket has been deployed across the Shahi Masjid complex in Ujjain following a series of volatile confrontations on Monday. The tension follows the demolition of a portion of the mosque premises, an action taken as part of massive road-widening projects intended to prepare the city for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh.
The atmosphere turned hostile as protesters attempted to navigate through narrow alleys, with reports indicating that women were pushed to the front during the demonstrations. The situation escalated into violence, with stones being hurled at police personnel stationed at the site to maintain order.
Political backlash over heritage demolition
The administration's move has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders. Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi voiced strong opposition to the demolition, urging the state government to be more sensitive toward religious sentiments. He highlighted that the site holds significant historical value.
"The administrative efforts to demolish the Ujjain Shahi Masjid under the pretext of road widening should be a bit more sensitive. Demolishing a 600-year-old heritage site just for road widening and development in the name of progress is the height of hatred. It has come to my notice that when the matter is pending in court, what message does the administration intend to send by repeatedly laying siege to the masjid?"
Pratapgarhi further suggested that the administration should consider acquiring land from alternative sides to facilitate road expansion rather than targeting a historically significant heritage site.
CM leads by example with personal sacrifice
The demolition drive is part of a larger infrastructure overhaul in Ujjain, where 272 structures have been marked for removal to accommodate the Simhastha 2028 fair. In a notable gesture, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav initiated development works by overseeing the demolition of his own ancestral home.
Speaking on the emotional weight of the decision, the Chief Minister stated that while dismantling his childhood home was difficult, it was a necessary sacrifice for the greater good of the state and the upcoming religious gathering. He expressed hope that his actions would set a precedent for other residents whose properties are also being affected by the project.
Massive preparations for Simhastha 2028
The scale of the infrastructure project is immense, driven by the need to manage the millions of devotees expected for the Simhastha Mela, a spiritual event held every 12 years on the banks of the Shipra River. According to Ujjain Municipal Corporation Chairperson Kalawati Yadav, the city is undergoing a complete transformation.
Key components of the development plan include:
- Construction of approximately 29 kilometres of new ghats.
- Implementation of major diversion projects.
- Development of dams and critical infrastructure.
- Extensive road-widening initiatives to improve urban mobility.
While the administration maintains that these steps are essential for the success of one of the world's largest spiritual gatherings, the ongoing friction at the Shahi Masjid campus underscores the complex challenges of balancing urban development with cultural and religious heritage.