Ambedkar statue row: Police tighten security in Gwalior, organisations withdraw protests
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Gwalior (PTI): Police prevented a potential escalation of tension in Gwalior on Wednesday by maintaining a tight vigil amid a massive row caused by allegedly offensive remarks made by a lawyer while opposing the demand for installation of BR Ambedkar's statue, officials said.
After police warned of taking strict action to maintain peace and harmony, Dalit organisations and other groups called off the proposed demonstrations.
The tension stemmed from a simmering row between two groups over the demand for installing Ambedkar's statue on the premises of the Gwalior bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
While Dalit organisations are in favour of Ambedkar's statue, another group wants to install the bust of Sir B.N. Rao, a former justice and Constitutional expert, on the HC's premises.
Gwalior Collector Ruchika Chauhan said the situation remained peaceful amid tight security.
Police have been conducting checks for the past 48 hours and recovered some weapons.
"Meetings were held with several communities and organisations to maintain peace. The situation is normal and peaceful in Gwalior", the collector told PTI.
She said a holiday was declared for schools on Wednesday as checks are being conducted at several locations.
A police officer said the administration is on alert and taking no chances.
Additional Superintendent of Police, Bidati Dabar, told PTI Videos that strict security arrangements have been put in place since morning in Gwalior district.
"Special checkpoints have been set up at all borders of the district, and around 4,000 police personnel have been deployed for security. Checks are conducted to identify suspicious persons, and vehicles are also being checked", she added.
The tension escalated after senior lawyer and former president of the High Court Bar Association, Anil Mishra, allegedly made a controversial statement about Ambedkar, triggering vociferous demands by Dalit organisations for his arrest.
Another group came out in support of Mishra. Both groups had announced a protest on October 15.
In view of the tough stand taken by the police and local administration, these organisations cancelled the proposed demonstrations in Gwalior on Wednesday.
Security has been stepped up outside Mishra's house in Patel Nagar area.
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Siddaramaiah, I will abide by Cong high command decision on leadership issue, says Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday said both he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will abide by any decision takeb by the Congress high command on the leadership issue in the state.
Speaking to reporters after returning from Delhi, the Congress state president said, he has full faith in the party leadership and that it would take an approapriate decision at the appropriate time.
The remarks comes amid speculations within the party and political circles about a possible leadership change and cabinet reshuffle after May 4, when the results for assembly elections in four states and one union territory, along with bypolls to two assembly segments in the Karnataka are announced.
"I will not speak about political issues before the media. I have already said that when the time comes you will get to know. So I will not tell you," Shivakumar said in response to a question on discussions with the Congress high command during his Delhi visit over the last couple of days.
He asserted that there are no issues within the party, and whatever has been already decided will take place accordingly.
Responding to a question on senior Minister Satish Jarkiholi's reported statement about internal differences, the Deputy CM said, "nothing like that, they (high command) will do what they have to do at the appropriate time."
"There are no issues, we have faith in our party, they will do what they have to," he added.
Asked about the issue of leadership change as the government is about to complete three years in office, Shivakumar said, "... I have never discussed this issue. The CM and I have both said that we will accept whatever and whenever the high command decides, and we will abide by it."
He declined to comment when asked whether any "good news" can be expected by his birthday on May 15.
The leadership tussle within the ruling party has intensified amid speculation about a possible change of chief minister after the Congress government completed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, 2025. The speculation has been fuelled by the reported "power-sharing" arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar at the time of government formation in 2023.
Responding to a question on the BJP's criticism against the Congress government over its decision on internal reservation for Scheduled Castes, alleging injustice to several communities and questioning its intent behind the revised quota formula, Shivakumar said the BJP could not do anything on internal reservation while in power, but the Congress has kept its promise.
"We have found a solution and tried to do justice to all sections among SCs. We have fulfilled the promise made and every one should go together," he said.
Shivakumar warned his party workers against erecting flex banners for his birthday on May 15.
"For May 15, I want to tell everyone that no one should put up flex banners or advertisements for my birthday. If flex are installed I will ensure that cases are registered by authorities against those responsible, whether they are party workers or followers....no one should put such things on roads, this is my personal request," he said, adding that he has asked commissioners of the city corporations to register cases and impose heavy fines.
