Ujjain Shahi Masjid row: Why massive protest has erupted in the Mahakal temple city?

Tension gripped Ujjain on Monday after protests over the proposed removal of a section of the Shahi Masjid escalated into clashes with police. Stone-pelting was reported at the site, following which security personnel used tear gas to disperse people gathered in the area. A heavy police presence, including Rapid Action Force personnel, has been deployed around the mosque complex as authorities continue work linked to the road-widening project.

The dispute has emerged as Ujjain prepares for the 2028 Simhastha, when the city is expected to receive a very large number of pilgrims. The administration has been undertaking several infrastructure projects, including road expansion, to improve movement through the city.

Why is the Shahi Masjid at the centre of the dispute?

A section of the Shahi Masjid falls within the alignment of a road that the Ujjain Municipal Corporation plans to widen to 15 metres. The affected portion includes part of the mosque complex. The mosque management and members of the local Muslim community have opposed the removal of the structure, arguing that religious sites should not be included in the road-widening exercise. They have also questioned whether the road can instead be expanded by taking land from the opposite side.


The issue has already reached the courts.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court earlier this month dismissed petitions challenging the municipal corporation's decision. The court noted that the authorities had followed the prescribed procedure and rejected the argument that the mosque was being selectively targeted because it was a religious structure. The court was also told that portions of other religious structures had been affected by road-widening work in Ujjain.

Ujjain how Monday's protests unfolded

According to reports, people gathered near the mosque as demolition-related work was underway. The situation became tense after stones were thrown at police personnel. Police responded by firing tear-gas shells to push the crowd back and prevent the situation from escalating further. Security forces have remained stationed in the area.

The latest confrontation comes after residents and community members had gathered at the mosque over the weekend, with several people opposing the proposed demolition and urging the administration to reconsider the plan. The situation remains sensitive, with authorities focusing on maintaining law and order around the site.

Imran Pratapgarhi objects to the demolition

Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi has criticised the administration's action and appealed to the Madhya Pradesh government to take local sentiments into account. Pratapgarhi has argued that the authorities should explore alternatives for acquiring land for the road rather than removing part of the mosque. He has also questioned the timing of the administrative action in view of the ongoing legal proceedings.

272 structures identified for road widening

The Shahi Masjid issue is part of a much larger road-widening exercise in Ujjain. Authorities have identified 272 structures that are affected by the project. The work is being undertaken ahead of Simhastha 2028, one of the biggest religious gatherings held in the city.

The road project covers a stretch of around 730 metres, with the existing road being widened to 15 metres. The state government has sanctioned about Rs 9.80 crore for the work. The scale of the project has also affected the family of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. On Sunday, Yadav personally used a pickaxe to begin removing a portion of his ancestral house that falls within the proposed road alignment. The chief minister said the decision had an emotional dimension because he had spent his childhood there, but described the sacrifice as part of the city's preparations for Simhastha.

Why Ujjain is carrying out major infrastructure work

Ujjain is preparing for a massive increase in visitors during Simhastha 2028. The administration is working on roads and other infrastructure to handle the expected movement of pilgrims, vehicles and visitors. Officials have said road widening is necessary to improve traffic management during the religious gathering.

The government has also highlighted the participation of residents whose properties are affected by the development plans. Yadav's decision to give up part of his ancestral property has been presented by the government as an example for others affected by the project. But the Shahi Masjid dispute shows that the development exercise is not without resistance.

For now, security forces remain deployed near the mosque as authorities attempt to prevent further clashes. The legal and administrative dimensions of the dispute are also being closely watched as Ujjain continues its preparations for Simhastha 2028.