Gwalior: A controversy has erupted in Madhya Pradesh after Hindu organisations opposed the inclusion of Noor Alam ‘Guddu’ Warsi, a Muslim leader and state vice president of the BJP Minority Morcha, as one of the coordinators for the Shri Ram Barat procession in Gwalior. The event, a highlight of the ongoing Ramlila celebrations at Phoolbagh grounds, is organised by the Shri Ramlila Chal Samaroh Samiti.
This year, three coordinators were appointed: Ramnarayan Mishra, Guddu Warsi, and Sanjay Katthal. However, Warsi’s name on the official posters triggered backlash. Hindu groups argued that someone outside the faith should not be entrusted with responsibilities in a festival rooted in Hindu tradition.
Protests gained momentum after the Hindu Jagran Manch launched a campaign against his appointment. Posters condemning Warsi’s role appeared in parts of the city. Hindu Jagran Manch leader Manish Upadhyay urged devotees on Facebook to directly pressure the event’s chief patron, former MLA Ramesh Agarwal, a close aide of Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Facing growing opposition, Agarwal announced Warsi’s removal from the post. Speaking to NDTV, he said, “Since the Bajrang Dal and Hindu Jagran Manch were opposing it, we decided to remove him.”
Warsi, however, responded calmly. He said he has been part of the Ramlila for 25 years and would continue to participate. “Serving God requires no position. I have faith in Shri Ram,” he told NDTV.
The Shri Ram Barat procession, which begins at Sanatan Dharma Mandir, will proceed as planned despite the dispute.
