BJP MLA's son urges employers to sack Muslim employees, Hindu traders join protest against remark
Indore: Protests erupted in Indore after BJP MLA Malini Gaur’s son, Eklavya Singh Gaur, allegedly urged local shopkeepers to remove their Muslim employees, sparking outrage among traders and opposition parties.
Muslim shopkeepers, joined by their Hindu partners, marched from Bajaj Khana Chowk to Rajbada on Wednesday, carrying placards and asserting their constitutional rights. Protesters raised slogans such as “Is being a Muslim our fault?” and “What will you gain by disrupting Hindu-Muslim unity?”
Mohammad Gulzar, a trader with 35 years of experience in the market, said: “We are being pushed out only because we are Muslims. Why are we being targeted despite being rightful citizens of this country?”
Several Hindu shopkeepers also opposed the move. Balwant Singh Rathore, who demonstrated alongside his Muslim business partner Mohd Haroon, stressed the importance of communal harmony: “They should be given equal opportunities to earn a living.” Haroon added that both communities had always lived, traded, and progressed together.
The Seetlamata Market, usually bustling, appeared deserted on September 25 after Muslim vendors and workers were reportedly forced out, leading to a sharp decline in customer turnout.
Civil rights groups expressed concern over police summoning Muslim traders who participated in the silent protest march. Advocate Zaid Pathan, President of the Association of the Muslim Community, alleged that the action came under pressure from right-wing forces.
The opposition Congress party accused Gaur of attempting to polarise the city. City Congress president Chintu Chouksey demanded strict action, stating: “This is a deliberate attempt to disturb communal harmony. We have demanded an FIR and legal proceedings.”
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Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green power KKR to 29-run win over GT
Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).
Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.
In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.
Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.
For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Score:
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
