New Delhi: The Sheetla Mata Cloth Market in Indore, once a busy commercial hub, has fallen silent after Muslim workers and business partners were removed under directives linked to the “love jihad” narrative. Shopkeepers, workers, and long-time business partners described an atmosphere of fear after the son of a local lawmaker reportedly told traders to dismiss Muslim employees. Within days, over 120 Muslim salesmen lost their jobs. Several shops shut down. Owners were told they could stay only if they removed Muslim partners or staff.
A Hindu businessman, Balwant Rathore, who runs a shop with his Muslim partner, Mohammad Harun, refused the order. He said they built their business through joint investment and trust. He said the directive forced him to give up his shop rather than remove his partner. He said political pressure has no place in daily commerce.
Other workers described deep loss. Farman, employed in the market for 15 years, said he shared meals with his Hindu colleagues and never faced discrimination. He said he was removed without cause. He has filed a police complaint, yet no formal investigation has begun. He supports a family of seven and has no income.
Market association members confirmed the removal of Muslim workers. They said they followed instructions from BJP leaders. Festive season sales would normally bring high earnings, which makes the timing more difficult for those who lost jobs.
Observers say the episode shows how political narratives influence public spaces. Traders said Hindu and Muslim partnerships shaped the market for decades. They fear these ruptures will affect shared spaces across the city.
As reported in World Crunch by
