Removal of Gandhi statue sparks protests in Tinsukia | Guwahati News – Times of India

Dibrugarh: A town in Tinsukia district is embroiled in a heated controversy following the removal of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in order to make way for the construction of a clock tower. The 5.5ft tall statue, which stood at Gandhi Chowk in Doomdooma for several years, was removed on Wednesday using an excavator crane, sparking protests by citizens.
Former two-time MLA of Doomdooma, Durga Bhumij of Congress, spearheaded the protest against the removal of the Mahatma Gandhi statue. Expressing his dismay, Bhumij said, “The clock tower will not be allowed to be built in place of the statue of the Father of the Nation. They can construct the clock tower anywhere else, but the Mahatma Gandhi statue should remain in its original place. Mahatma Gandhi led India’s struggle for Independence and it is an insult to him. The sentiments of the people have been hurt.”
Following the massive public backlash, Doomdooma MLA Rupesh Gowala (BJP) on Thursday assured the townspeople that a new, taller statue (6.5ft) of Mahatma Gandhi will be constructed at the original site within six months in addition to the clock tower. Gowala said the entire site will be cleared of any unsightly structures. The presence of electricity transformer, overhead electric wires and light poles near the Mahatma Gandhi statue earlier had marred its aesthetic beauty.
“We understand the sentiments of the people of Doomdooma. A new and taller statue of Mahatma Gandhi will be built at the site within six months. It will be a fitting tribute to the leader who continues to inspire millions across the world,” Gowala said.
However, despite the assurance of a new, larger statue of Mahatma Gandhi, opposition to the coexistence of the clock tower and the Gandhi statue persists among the residents.

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