What was intended to be a fair promoting self-employment and local products has sparked widespread controversy in Madhya Pradesh, following allegations of discrimination against Muslim traders. Traders claim they were evicted from the *Swadeshi Mela*, a fair organized by Swadeshi Jagran Manch, at the Tehsil Ground in Damoh district after being told that “Muslims are not allowed.”
The fair, which began on October 14 and is set to continue until November 24, is designed to promote self-employment, local businesses, and national unity. However, the reported eviction of Muslim traders has raised serious concerns about discrimination and intolerance, undermining the event’s core values of equality and harmony.
According to the traders, they had paid participation fees and booked stalls in advance to showcase their products. However, on Sunday, they were told to leave the premises, despite having set up their shops. Mohammad Rashid, a businessman from Agra, described his experience, saying, “They asked my name and shut down my shop. We had 10 shops here. The organisers told us Muslims are not allowed entry. All our rent and travel expenses are wasted.”
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Similarly, Shabbir, a shopkeeper from Lucknow, said, “They refused to let us set up our shops and told us to leave.” Another trader, Vakil Ahmed from Bhadohi, added, “They are removing Muslims. Around 15-20 of us were told to close our shops.”
The eviction of these traders has led to public outrage, especially as the fair’s promotional posters emphasized ideals like equality, national unity, and living together without discrimination. The posters called for fostering harmony among people of all communities, but the reality of the event appears to contradict these lofty ideals.
Damoh District Collector Sudhir Kochar responded to the allegations, promising a thorough inquiry into the incident. However, he also emphasized that the event was organized by Swadeshi Jagran Manch, a non-governmental organization, and that it was within their rights to decide who could participate. “I have instructed my officers to thoroughly study this case. This is not a government program but an event by Swadeshi Jagran Manch, and it is their right to decide participation. However, we will gather all information and take appropriate action if required,” Kochar stated.
The incident has raised concerns about the increasing marginalization of certain communities in public spaces, particularly in events that claim to promote national unity and social cohesion. Many of the evicted traders have expressed their hope for a refund of their participation fees, which they believe might restore some credibility to the fair’s stated values.
The fair, which has seen the participation of traders from various states, was initially seen as a celebration of local culture and self-reliance. Yet, the exclusion of Muslim traders has now turned the spotlight on the issue of religious discrimination in such events, leaving many questioning the true spirit of the fair.
As the investigation continues, the traders remain hopeful that appropriate action will be taken, not only to address their individual grievances but also to ensure that future events are inclusive and respectful of all communities.
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