Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The relocation of two liquor shops in the city has sparked widespread protests, with residents of Kolar Road and Vijay Nagar voicing strong opposition. While large demonstrations were held at Mandakini Square in Kolar, women in Vijay Nagar adopted a unique form of protest by organising a bhajan sit-in outside the disputed outlet.
In Vijay Nagar’s Sairam Colony, residents alleged that they have been raising complaints for over a year through public hearings, demanding the removal of the liquor shop. Despite instructions from the district administration to shift the outlet, it continues to operate, intensifying public anger.
Tensions escalated at Mandakini Square on Wednesday night after a liquor shop was relocated there from the Sarvadharam area. The new location, situated near a Jain temple and within a densely populated residential zone, has drawn sharp criticism from locals.
Residents claim that the shop has already caused traffic congestion and disrupted the sanctity of the nearby religious site. A meeting held on Thursday saw locals unanimously resolve to continue protests until the outlet is relocated to a non-residential area away from schools and temples.
Adding political weight to the agitation, local Congress leaders submitted a memorandum to police authorities, highlighting the inconvenience caused by the shop’s presence at a busy junction. They have also announced plans to meet the District Collector, urging immediate intervention.
Protesters have suggested shifting the liquor shop to newly constructed commercial spaces across the Sarvadharam bridge, which they believe would minimise public inconvenience and maintain the character of residential neighbourhoods.
