Confrontation Between Congress MLA and BJP Leader Over Ambedkar Plaque in Rajasthan

Synopsis

A heated argument and subsequent physical confrontation occurred in Bonli, Rajasthan, involving Congress MLA Indira Meena and BJP leader Hanuman Dixit over the removal and replacement of a plaque near Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's statue. The incident drew significant attention from local authorities.

Key Takeaways

Indira Meena and Hanuman Dixit engaged in a physical altercation.
The argument was over a plaque near the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
The original plaque was reportedly removed without notice.
Local authorities intervened to de-escalate the situation.
The ongoing construction project has political implications.

Jaipur, April 14 (NationPress) A volatile dispute erupted late Sunday night in Bonli, located in Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur district, involving Congress MLA Indira Meena and BJP Mandal President Hanuman Dixit. The argument centered around the installation of a plaque adjacent to the statue of Dr B.R. Ambedkar.

The disagreement escalated into a physical altercation, with MLA Meena reportedly grabbing Dixit by the collar and tearing his shirt.

During the clash, she was heard questioning, "Does being a member of BJP grant you the right to engage in hooliganism?"

The statue of Dr Ambedkar was inaugurated two years ago in Bonli, where a traffic intersection is currently being developed by the Public Works Department (PWD).

The foundation stone for the project was laid by Bamanwas MLA Indira Meena, and the original plaque featured her name alongside that of former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

On Sunday night, this plaque was reportedly taken down. In its place, a new plaque bearing the names of Indira Meena and Municipality President Kamlesh Devi Joshi was intended for installation. However, the BJP’s Bonli Mandal President Hanuman Dixit and local Pradhan Krishna Poswal objected to the new plaque and had it removed. After learning about the removal, MLA Indira Meena arrived at the site around midnight.

Upon discovering the new plaque was gone, she confronted Hanuman Dixit. The argument grew more intense, and when Dixit tried to leave in his vehicle, Meena allegedly climbed onto the footrest of his car to continue the confrontation. A brief struggle ensued.

The standoff lasted nearly two hours, leading to the arrival of senior officials, including Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Chandra Prakash Verma, ASP Neelkamal, and SHO Radha Raman Gupta.

The officials intervened and managed to calm both parties.

At present, both plaques are being kept in secure custody.

The statue of Dr Ambedkar was inaugurated two years ago at the Baunli intersection, with PWD overseeing the ongoing construction. The plaque dispute appears politically charged, focusing on project credit and representation at the site, according to officials.