Overview

• Congress MP Digvijaya Singh visited the Sitlamata/Seetala market on Saturday and alleged Muslim salesmen were being forced to quit, saying he would file a written complaint with police.
• A day earlier, state Congress chief Jitu Patwari led a delegation to Divisional Commissioner Sudam Khade demanding an FIR against Eklavya Singh Gaud for an alleged unconstitutional directive.
• The market displayed saffron flags and posters such as 'Jihadis not allowed' as some traders protested Singh’s visit and voiced support for a 'no Muslim salesman' stance.
• Other shopkeepers and Muslim traders held counter-protests, rejecting expulsions and urging communal harmony as tensions in the market escalated.
• BJP media co-incharge Deepak Jain ‘Tinu’ defended Gaud by calling for action against ‘anti-social elements’ and invoking ‘love jihad’, while Gaud’s own comments were not available.