Khargone Municipality Installs Metal Statue of Tantya Bhil After FRP Controversy
In a significant move, the Khargone municipality has replaced the controversial fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) statue of tribal freedom fighter Tantya Bhil with a new metal structure at the Bistan Road tri-junction. This action comes after widespread protests and an inquiry into the installation of the previous statue, which was deemed non-compliant with standards.
Details of the New Installation
A municipal team successfully installed a 570-kilogram metal statue on Wednesday, marking a formal resolution to the ongoing dispute. Chief Municipal Officer Kamla Kaul confirmed to TOI that the new statue, with an estimated value of around Rs 10 lakh, adheres strictly to the approved tender specifications. She emphasized that the replacement was carried out in accordance with municipal protocols to ensure quality and durability.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy began when a fibre statue was installed on November 15, coinciding with Tribal Pride Day, despite a prior decision made during the president-in-council meeting on September 24 last year to opt for a metal statue. This installation was allegedly in violation of prescribed standards and was inaugurated with considerable fanfare by public representatives and officials, sparking immediate backlash.
Public Outcry and Inquiry Findings
The issue gained momentum as it came to light, drawing strong protests from various social organisations and the opposition Congress party. An official inquiry was launched, revealing serious negligence by engineers during the physical verification of the FRP statue. This negligence led to disciplinary action against two officials and the blacklisting of the contractor involved in the initial installation.
Current Status of the FRP Statue
According to Chief Municipal Officer Kamla Kaul, the previously installed FRP statue was donated by the former contractor following the controversy. It is currently being kept safely at the municipal office, ensuring its preservation while the new metal statue takes its place at the tri-junction. This step underscores the municipality's commitment to rectifying past errors and honoring the legacy of Tantya Bhil appropriately.
The replacement of the statue highlights the importance of adherence to standards in public installations and reflects the responsive actions taken by local authorities in Khargone to address community concerns and uphold historical respect.
