Clashes Erupt at Bhopal Gas Tragedy Rally
Effigy dispute triggers confrontation between RSS–BJP workers and gas victims’ groups
GG News Bureau
Bhopal, 3rd Dec: A peaceful march marking the 41st anniversary of the Bhopal gas tragedy descended into a political confrontation on Wednesday after RSS and BJP workers objected to an effigy carried by gas victims’ organisations.
The annual rally, which moved from Bharat Talkies underbridge to the JP Nagar Gas Memorial, was intended to demand long-pending justice, action against Union Carbide and Dow Chemical, and proper rehabilitation for survivors. Tensions flared when demonstrators displayed an effigy symbolising the corporations linked to the 1984 disaster.
RSS and BJP workers alleged that the effigy depicted an “RSS worker” and accused the organisers of hurting organisational and religious sentiments. They confronted the rallyists, calling the act provocative and demanding the effigy’s removal.
Gas victims’ organisations rejected the allegations, asserting that the effigy represented culpable multinational companies, not any socio-political group. They alleged that the objection was politically motivated and accused the BJP government of “shielding Dow Chemical” instead of acting against those responsible for the world’s worst industrial disaster.
As arguments intensified, police intervened and seized the effigy to prevent further escalation. Officers avoided making detailed comments at the spot. RSS–BJP members later demanded an FIR, claiming “anti-national activities” were being carried out under the cover of the rally.
Survivor groups reiterated that, even after 41 years, thousands still await justice and adequate rehabilitation. They said successive governments had failed to take decisive action against Union Carbide, Dow Chemical, and their affiliates.
A BJP leader present accused the organisers of attempting to “vitiate the atmosphere” by carrying an effigy allegedly mimicking an RSS-linked figure.
While the anniversary is usually marked by peaceful remembrance events, this year’s observance was overshadowed by the confrontation. Police have urged all parties to maintain calm as the controversy continues to spark reactions across Bhopal.
