Ujjain Mosque Protest Erupts into Violence Amid Demolition Operations; Supreme Court Imposes Deadline on TMC Faction Dispute

In a troubling turn of events in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, tensions flared as police resorted to firing tear gas at a group of Muslim demonstrators protesting the demolition of part of a local mosque. This incident took place as the Ujjain Municipal Corporation undertook urgent demolition work aimed at widening roads in preparation for the upcoming Simhastha religious gathering, which is scheduled for March 2028. Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene where protestors retaliated by throwing stones at law enforcement officers.

The unrest began to unfold on a Sunday night, as large crowds gathered outside the historic Shahi Masjid, voicing their opposition to the demolition. In a display of solidarity, some protesters chose to remain within the mosque overnight, reflecting their determination to resist the municipal actions. However, the situation escalated significantly the following morning when the administration initiated the demolition operations, leading to clashes between police and the protesters.

Meanwhile, on a different front, the Supreme Court of India has directed the Election Commission to resolve a contentious dispute within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) party regarding the authority to use the original party name and symbol. The Court has mandated that the Commission make a determination within four months, providing both factions of the party one month to submit their respective pleas. Following this, the Commission will have an additional three months to reach a decision.

Earlier on September 17, the Election Commission had taken the significant step of prohibiting both factions from using the TMC’s original name and symbol in the upcoming bye-elections scheduled for October 6. To address the immediate concerns, the Commission temporarily assigned new names and symbols to the factions, marking a critical shift in the political landscape of West Bengal.

Further complicating the situation, the Supreme Court has also called on the Speaker of the West Bengal Assembly to make a decision by October 8 regarding petitions that sought the disqualification of ten rebel TMC MLAs. This ongoing saga highlights the internal strife within the party, which has witnessed significant divisions and challenges in recent months. As these developments unfold, they underscore the urgency for clarity and resolution within one of West Bengal’s key political players.

Source: scroll.in