PHAGWARA: A situation of potential communal tension appears to be emerging in Phagwara over the issue of renaming the city’s prominent Gol Chowk, as different community groups have taken firm and divergent stands, prompting concerns among residents and authorities alike.
The issue gained momentum following a meeting of several Dalit organisations, including Yuva Vikas Morcha, Ambedkar Sena Moolniwasi and the Valmiki Action Committee, held at the Rest House on Friday. The meeting was led by Anu Sahota, Dharamveer Sethi and Balwinder Boudh, who strongly reiterated their long-pending demand to rename Gol Chowk as ‘Samvidhaan Chowk’ in honour of B. R. Ambedkar.
Addressing the gathering, the leaders stated that the demand has been consistently raised since 2018 but has not received any concrete response from the administration. They emphasized that the proposal is aimed at recognizing the immense contribution of Dr. Ambedkar towards the Constitution and social justice, and reflects the sentiments of a large section of society. The leaders further alleged that recent developments have brought the issue back into focus, with what they described as opposition from certain groups, thereby heightening tensions.
At the same time, another development has added a new dimension to the situation. On March 19, members of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Welfare Society, under the leadership of Rajeev Chail, met Phagwara Mayor Rampal Uppal and demanded the installation of a statue of Bhagat Singh at Gol Chowk to mark his martyrdom anniversary on March 23. This demand, though seen by many as a tribute to the national hero, has reportedly triggered resentment among sections of the Dalit community, who view the timing and location as sensitive given their pending demand.
Clarifying their position, Dalit leaders stated that they hold Bhagat Singh in the highest regard and have no objection to the installation of his statue. However, they asserted that the renaming of the chowk as ‘Samvidhaan Chowk’ through a permanent stone inscription must be carried out simultaneously to ensure that the sentiments of their community are not overlooked. They warned that ignoring their demand at this stage could deepen dissatisfaction and widen social divisions.
During the meeting, it was unanimously decided that leaders and members of all Dalit organisations in Phagwara would assemble at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Park in Hargobind Nagar on March 24, 2026. Following the gathering, a memorandum detailing their demands will be submitted to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Phagwara. The leaders also indicated that if their demands are not addressed, they may intensify their agitation through peaceful and democratic means.
With both sides standing firm on their respective demands, the situation is being closely monitored. Local observers believe that while both demands—honouring Dr. Ambedkar and commemorating Bhagat Singh—carry deep historical and emotional significance, the lack of coordination and dialogue between stakeholders risks creating avoidable friction.