Bajrang Dal Protests Diljit Dosanjh's Indore Concert Over Liquor, Meat

Ahead of Diljit Dosanjh's concert in Indore, Bajrang Dal members have taken to the streets in protest, voicing their opposition to the event due to the rumoured serving of liquor and meat.

Scheduled for Sunday, December 8, the concert has sparked tensions, with members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) warning of further protests if the issues are not addressed.

Photo Credit: PTI

Bajrang Dal's Stand on Cultural Preservation

Bajrang Dal, known for its staunch defence of Hindu culture, raised alarms about the potential consequences of alcohol and meat being served at the concert. VHP member Yash Bachani emphasized the group's commitment to "protecting the culture" of the city, linking the event to broader concerns over women's safety and potential "Love Jihad" incidents. Protestors gathered in Indore, chanting slogans like "Jai Jai Shri Ram," signalling their readiness to escalate the demonstration if necessary.

Authorities Respond to the Concerns

Indore's law enforcement is taking the matter seriously. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Amrendra Singh assured the public that the authorities are prioritizing law and order, with a specific focus on women's security and controlling drug abuse. He confirmed that the serving of alcohol in open spaces at the concert had been prohibited by the local authorities, and further precautions are being taken to ensure public safety.

Liquor Controversy: A Repeat from Pune

The protests in Indore come after a similar controversy in Pune, where the state excise department revoked the permit for liquor at Diljit Dosanjh's concert. This sparked outrage from local political parties and organizations, including the youth wing of the NCP and BJP leader Chandrakant Patil, who also objected to the consumption of alcohol at the event.

Ticket Scalping Issues

In another development, two individuals were arrested by the Indore police for attempting to sell concert tickets illegally at inflated prices. The accused had purchased tickets online and were attempting to resell them for ₹10,000, double the original price. Indore's Crime Branch is monitoring the situation closely, as ticket scalping continues to be a concern for concertgoers.

Diljit's Tour Continues to Impress

Despite the protests and controversies, Diljit Dosanjh's Dil-Luminati Tour remains a massive hit across India. His recent concert in Bengaluru saw a special appearance by Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, while the Pune show earlier in November also garnered attention. Upcoming stops include Chandigarh on December 14 and Guwahati on December 29.

Diljit's India tour continues to electrify audiences, but the protests in Indore and the ongoing controversies highlight the intersection of culture, politics, and entertainment in today's India.