Diljit Dosanjh’s Indore Concert: No Meat, No Alcohol After Bajrang Dal Protest

Diljit Dosanjh's concert in Indore on Sunday went ahead without any controversy after Bajrang Dal's protests over the sale of meat and alcohol.

The Punjab-born singer, known for his powerful voice and vibrant performances, had his Indore gig as part of his ongoing Dil-Luminati Tour, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Bajrang Dal's Protest

The controversy erupted when Bajrang Dal objected to the planned serving of meat and alcohol at the concert. On Saturday, Yash Bachani, a member of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), announced that Bajrang Dal would take to the streets if necessary to protest the event. He expressed concerns over "open liquor" and "meat being served," claiming it was against the cultural values of Indore. Additionally, he raised issues surrounding women's safety and the potential for "Love Jihad," warning of possible protests if the demands weren't met, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Indore Police's Role

In response to the protests, the local police took quick action. Amrendra Singh, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Zone 2, emphasized that the authorities were taking the matter seriously and had not permitted the serving of alcohol or its consumption in public at the concert. The police also addressed the safety concerns, particularly regarding women's security, ensuring that the concert proceeded smoothly under the watchful eye of law enforcement.

Diljit's Adjustment

As a result of the protests, Diljit's concert went on without any alcoholic beverages or meat on offer. Attendees confirmed that there was "no non-veg, no alcohol" served at the venue, complying with the demands from the Bajrang Dal. Diljit, who has always been an outspoken artist, took these challenges in stride, as per media reports. Earlier, in a similar situation, the excise department in Pune had cancelled the permit for alcohol at his concert after protests from local groups.

Previous Concert Controversies

This wasn't the first time Diljit faced opposition over the content of his concerts. In Hyderabad, the Telangana government imposed a ban on Diljit singing songs that mentioned alcohol, which he creatively navigated by replacing references to liquor with "softer" alternatives like Coca-Cola. He also addressed the issue during a concert, urging for the same level of censorship to be applied to Indian cinema, where alcohol-related songs are a common feature, as per media reports.

Continuing the Tour

Despite these hurdles, Diljit's Dil-Luminati Tour continues to captivate audiences across India. The tour will next stop in Chandigarh on December 14, with the grand finale scheduled in Guwahati on December 29. While the Indore concert was an example of Diljit adapting to local demands, it is clear that his ability to handle such controversies with grace has made him a resilient figure in the music industry.