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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Minister Patil chairs industry meetings to chart growth for key sectors in Karnataka
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister M B Patil on Tuesday chaired meetings with industry representatives from the aerospace and defence, machine tools, auto/EV, and green energy sectors to discuss sector growth and government support measures.
The meetings were attended by leading industrialists and their representatives, with some participating virtually.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister for Large and Medium Industries said Karnataka is at the forefront of the country’s aerospace and defence sectors.
He noted that Suzuki and Toyota plan to launch aerial taxi services in Japan by 2028, with Bengaluru-based Sasmos supplying electrical equipment for the project.
Industrialists suggested introducing similar “fly-taxi” services in Karnataka through an appropriate policy, which Patil said would be examined seriously.
The minister highlighted the need to establish testing centres and Common Facility Centres for the aerospace and defence industries and assured that these facilities would be provided.
Suggestions were also made to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for sector growth.
Karnataka has urged the Central Government to approve Defence Corridor projects in the Bengaluru North–Kolar–Chikkaballapur and Dharawada–Vijayapura–Belagavi regions.
Industrialists also suggested a corridor between Bengaluru and Mysuru, Patil said.
He said Karnataka aims to become a hub for defence electronics manufacturing, with plans to establish a 200-acre Defence Electronics Park and a 100-acre Avionics and Sensor Park.
These projects will be implemented once the Special Investment Region is operational, and land availability will not be an issue.
On the machine tools sector, Patil said the industry has recorded an annual turnover of Rs 36,500 crore and is witnessing steady growth.
Large-scale exhibitions have increased demand, and the state must strengthen its capabilities to develop control systems for heavy machinery. One testing unit is already operational in Bengaluru, with another planned for Tumakuru. Expansion of vocational training institutes in industrial areas is also underway.
In the Auto and EV sector, Vision Group members highlighted the need for a network of dry ports and more EV charging stations across the state.
Patil noted that the Tata Group is manufacturing EV buses in Dharawada for nationwide supply. Plans for mini excavator production and export facilitation were also discussed, along with the establishment of a testing facility for two-wheeler EVs.
For the Green Energy sector, the group emphasised the need for a suitable policy on battery-based energy storage and the establishment of data centres.
Patil assured that the government will seriously consider all suggestions and respond positively.
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