Hindu extremists display offensive tableau with burqa-clad idols, ignoring administration’s warnings; Muslims say such hate-filled acts are designed to defame their faith
UJJAIN — A Ganesh immersion procession in Ujjain’s Mahidpur tehsil in Madhya Pradesh on Friday (5 September) turned tense after right-wing elements displayed an inflammatory tableau portraying so-called ‘Love Jihad’, provoking outrage among Muslims and raising serious questions about deliberate attempts to sow communal discord.
The tableau showed idols dressed in skull caps, burqas and false beards, accompanied by slogans warning of ‘Love Jihad’. Locals said the scene was a direct attempt to mock Muslims and spread hatred under the guise of a religious festival. The offensive display passed through Muslim-majority areas, including near the historic Moti Masjid, where community members objected to the “provocative insult”.
Eyewitnesses said that when Muslim residents demanded the removal of the tableau, members of the procession refused and instead taunted the crowd. The situation escalated quickly, with stone-pelting reported from both sides. Police intervened, using mild force to disperse the gathering and prevent further clashes.
A local resident, Mohammed Arif, told reporters: “We have always respected the Ganesh festival. Every year, the procession passes peacefully, but this time they deliberately insulted our religion. The aim was to incite violence and blame Muslims.”
Officials admitted that the controversial tableau was displayed despite explicit instructions to avoid provocative acts. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ajay Mahange confirmed: “We had asked organisers to remove objectionable pictures immediately. Despite warnings, the tableau was taken out in the presence of police.”
This revelation has led to growing anger among minority groups, who say authorities failed to act firmly against those responsible.
Ujjain Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma said the situation is now under control, but additional forces have been stationed in the area. “The atmosphere is peaceful at present. Adequate deployment has been made to deal with any emergency,” he told reporters.
However, Muslim leaders expressed disappointment over what they called official leniency. “Why were the organisers allowed to openly insult Muslims and continue with the tableau even after warnings?” asked Advocate Salman Khan, a local activist. “If such things are not stopped, they will only encourage more hatred.”
Observers say the incident in Ujjain is part of a wider trend in Madhya Pradesh and other states, where right-wing groups have increasingly used festivals, food habits, and clothing as tools to polarise communities.
“First they target our food, then our dress, and now even our places of worship during Hindu festivals,” said Prof Rizwan Ali, a historian from Indore. “This is not about religion but about politics—keeping Hindus and Muslims divided.”
Community organisations are demanding legal action against those who designed and approved the tableau. “If a Muslim had insulted Hindu beliefs, he would be in jail immediately. Why is the same standard not applied here?” asked Maulana Irshad Qureshi, an Ujjain cleric.
Activists said such incidents not only endanger communal harmony but also place Muslims under constant suspicion. “We are forced to defend ourselves even when we are the victims,” lamented local shopkeeper Shahbaz Ahmed. “This is injustice.”
For many Muslims, the recurring targeting is leaving behind a sense of fear and fatigue. “We keep appealing for peace, but they keep finding new ways to provoke us,” said Farzana Begum, a resident of Mahidpur. “We want our children to grow up safe, not in constant tension.”
The administration has promised a full inquiry, but community leaders insist that unless strong action is taken, such acts will be repeated in the future.
As Ujjain, known as a city of temples, returns to uneasy calm, Muslims say the real test lies not in police deployments but in political will. “Festivals should unite people, not be misused to spread hate,” said Arif. “We will keep demanding fairness because our faith teaches us to stand against injustice.”
