Tantya Mama statue installed at midnight:Sailana MLA Dodiyar alleges SDM rejected Gram Sabha proposal

A statue of Tantya Mama Bhil was installed in Rajapura village of the Sailana Assembly constituency in Ratlam district around 2:30 am on Monday. The installation was carried out by MLA Kamleshwar Dodiyar along with his supporters. The MLA alleged that the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) had rejected the Gram Sabha’s proposal, prompting him to bring the statue himself from Rajasthan and install it at night. Gram Sabha proposal rejected, says MLA According to the MLA, the Gram Sabha of Rajapura Mataji village in the Bajna region had passed a resolution on January 12, 2026, approving the installation of Tantya Mama’s statue. On Monday, villagers approached SDM Tarun Jain with the proposal and a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Dodiyar alleged that the SDM declared the Gram Sabha proceedings illegal, stating they were against the PESA Rules, 2022, and suggested obtaining clearances from the Archaeology Department and other authorities. Statue brought from Rajasthan After villagers informed him of the SDM’s decision, MLA Dodiyar travelled with them to Talwara in Banswara district, Rajasthan, procured the statue, and returned to Rajapura village. The statue was installed late at night, around 2:30 am. ‘Police were threatening villagers,’ claims MLA Responding to questions about the midnight installation, Dodiyar said villagers were being constantly threatened by the police, creating fear among them. “I am an MLA, but the villagers were scared. That is why I stayed with them and ensured the statue was installed,” he said. He added that under the PESA Act, 2022, installing the statue was the community’s right. He also said he would ensure the strict implementation of PESA rules in scheduled areas and raise legal awareness among locals to curb what he described as politically motivated administrative interference. Statue to be unveiled on January 25 The MLA announced that a statue unveiling and public awareness programme would be held on January 25, urging villagers to participate in large numbers. Several leaders and activists were present during the installation, including district panchayat member Sharad Dodiyar, former district panchayat member Kavita Bhogora, former Adivasi Students’ Organisation president Dhyanveer Damor, and Mangu Singh Singad, state secretary of JAYS Bhil Ekta Mission. SDM’s response Reacting to the allegations, Sailana SDM Tarun Jain said that district panchayat member Sharad Dodiyar had approached him and was informed about the Nazul disposal rules applicable to the installation of statues.