Sun Dec 08 12:48:04 UTC 2024: **Indore Concert Faces Backlash: Bajrang Dal, VHP Protest Diljit Dosanjh’s Show Over Alleged Liquor, Meat Sales**
INDORE, INDIA – The upcoming concert of Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh in Indore has sparked a major controversy, with members of the Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) staging protests against the event. The right-wing Hindu organizations allege that the concert will promote alcohol consumption and the sale of non-vegetarian food, claims they vehemently oppose.
On Sunday morning, protestors gathered outside the Collectorate, staging a sit-in. Later, they proceeded to the concert venue, demanding entry to inspect the premises. Following their Saturday night protests which resulted in the removal of alcohol and meat stalls from the venue, the groups warned that they would not tolerate the sale of alcohol, meat, or any perceived obscenity at the open-air concert. They vowed to remain at the venue until the concert’s conclusion, threatening to take matters into their own hands if police fail to maintain order.
Former BJP minister Usha Thakur and BJP MLA Golu Shukla voiced their support for the protestors, echoing the call to cancel the event, citing its incompatibility with the city’s cultural values and the ongoing 300th birth anniversary celebrations of Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar. They emphasized the incompatibility of alcohol and non-vegetarian food with Indian culture.
Bajrang Dal officials highlighted the presence of large alcohol and meat stalls surrounding the stage before the protests. A heated debate ensued between the protestors and Additional DCP (Zone-2) Amrendra Singh, who prevented them from entering the venue without permission. Following negotiations and inspections, the protestors confirmed the removal of most alcohol stalls, but maintained a presence near the venue. They are currently in talks with police regarding the number of observers allowed inside the concert grounds during the event.
The Bajrang Dal insists that their protest is not against the concert itself, but against the alleged promotion of alcohol, meat, and obscenity. They have pledged to remain near the concert until its completion and the safe dispersal of attendees.
A heavy police presence and numerous volunteers have been deployed around the C21 Estate Ground venue to maintain order and prevent any further disturbances. Diljit Dosanjh is reportedly staying at a Marriott hotel, and security has been significantly heightened around him and the concert venue.
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