Right-wing activists clash with participants at Durg garba, Congress leader pushed onstage
During a garba celebration in Durg, members of Bajrang Dal and VHP confronted attendees they said were Muslim, leading to a scuffle in which Congress district president Dheeraj Bakliwal was shoved.
A garba program in Durg's Civil Lines hockey ground turned volatile when Bajrang Dal and VHP activists objected to the alleged participation of Muslim youths, a claim sparked by an NSUI member's social-media poster offering free entry. The organizers insisted the celebration was open to anyone respecting the festival, but the right-wing participants took the stage to voice their opposition. The confrontation quickly escalated, with several people pushing each other and Dheeraj Bakliwal, the Congress city district president and former mayor, being shoved.
VHP functionary Ramlochan Tiwari reiterated the group's stance against Muslim involvement and called for stricter entry checks. Police, led by ASP Manishankar Chandra, registered a case under provisions for voluntarily causing hurt, rioting, and obscene conduct, and are examining video evidence. Hindu groups have threatened additional demonstrations if authorities do not act on their complaint.
Why it matters
The incident highlights rising communal tensions and the potential for political figures to become targets at public events.
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