Guwahati, 12th July: A contentious decision to remove a statue of Mahatma Gandhi from Gandhi Chowk in Tinsukia has ignited widespread protests and condemnation. The incident, reportedly undertaken to facilitate the construction of a clock tower, has drawn sharp criticism from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who expressed concern and vowed to investigate the matter.
“Assam owes so much to Mahatma Gandhi,” Sarma emphasized, highlighting Gandhi’s pivotal support for Assam’s integration within India during partition discussions. The removal has prompted protests in Doomdooma, where locals gathered to denounce the act and demand the statue’s immediate restoration.
Author Tushar Gandhi criticized the decision on social media, implying a colonial-era mindset in the move to replace Gandhi’s statue with a clock tower. His post underscored broader sentiments against what some perceive as disregard for historical symbols and figures.
In response to the uproar, Doomdooma BJP MLA assured that a new statue of Mahatma Gandhi, taller at 6.5 feet, would be erected at the original site within six months. This assurance aims to appease protesters and reaffirm the government’s commitment to honoring Gandhi’s legacy.
Protesters have demanded a thorough investigation into the decision-making process leading to the statue’s removal. They insist on transparency and accountability in handling such sensitive matters of cultural and historical significance.
The construction of both the clock tower and the new Gandhi statue signifies efforts to balance modern development with preserving historical symbols. The controversy underscores the challenges in managing cultural heritage in evolving urban landscapes.
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