Ujjain Shahi Masjid protest row: Police fire tear gas as crowd opposes demolition

Ujjain, MP: Security was tightened around the Shahi Masjid complex in Ujjain on Monday following protests and incidents of stone-pelting over the demolition of a portion of the mosque for a road-widening project ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in 2028.

A section of the Shahi Masjid was demolished as part of the road-widening work, triggering protests and differences among groups over the development. Protesters were seen attempting to move through narrow lanes, with women being pushed forward as they tried to join the demonstration. Stones were also thrown at police personnel deployed at the site.

Police remained stationed in the area to contain the situation, which continued to be tense.

Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi objected to the demolition and urged the Madhya Pradesh government to respect public sentiments.

"The administrative efforts to demolish the Ujjain Shahi Masjid under the pretext of road widening should be a bit more sensitive. Demolishing a 600-year-old heritage site just for road widening and development in the name of progress is the height of hatred. It has come to my notice that when the matter is pending in court, what message does the administration intend to send by repeatedly laying siege to the masjid? Thousands of youth in Ujjain are continuously raising their voices on this issue. My request to the Ujjain administration is to respect public sentiments and acquire the necessary land for road widening from the other side. Demolishing such a historically significant heritage site cannot be considered a normal event under any circumstances," the Congress MP said.

The demolition comes amid a broader infrastructure push in Ujjain ahead of the 2028 Simhastha Mela. As part of the road-widening project, 272 structures have been identified for demolition.

Earlier, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav initiated development work in the city by overseeing the demolition of his ancestral home. He said the move carried personal and emotional significance but was necessary for the larger public interest.

"This is the place where I grew up, playing and running around, and now I am stepping forward to dismantle it with my own hands. It certainly has an emotional impact. However, if it is necessary for the administration and essential for the Simhastha, then this sacrifice must be made. I am satisfied that we are all doing this together," he said.

Yadav said the demolition of his childhood home was intended to encourage other residents affected by the project to cooperate.

"The entire state and the country are watching this. People are demolishing their homes willingly and happily, dedicating themselves to the cause so that others may benefit greatly," he said.

Ujjain Municipal Corporation Chairperson Kalawati Yadav outlined the infrastructure projects being undertaken for the religious gathering, which takes place once every 12 years.

"In 2028, Ujjain will host the Simhastha Mela, one of the world's largest spiritual gatherings, held every 12 years on the banks of the Shipra River. Extensive preparations are underway, including around 29 kilometres of new ghats, a diversion project, dams and other infrastructure works to improve the city. With millions of devotees expected, road widening has become essential," she said.

The road-widening project is part of a larger infrastructure overhaul to prepare Ujjain for the expected influx of millions of pilgrims during the 2028 Simhastha Mela.