The Daresi Ground, which has been the center of the ancient Dola Ram fair for years, is now in the news for controversy rather than a peaceful celebration. While on Saturdays and Sundays the fair would be thronged with devotees, leaving no room for a foot to stand, today the entire area is utterly silent.
According to locals, this sudden silence is not merely a result of the weather or the weather, but rather the ongoing tension between the contractor and the MLA. The contractors say they will continue their protest until a higher official directly takes responsibility. Meanwhile, the MLA, in his statement, is accusing the contractors of violating local rules and discipline. This conflict has directly impacted the fair’s vibrancy. While the Hanuman Chalisa, bhajans, and kirtans would normally fill the grounds, today only silence and anticipation can be heard. Devotees and local residents are distressed. Many people are only learning from the news at home that their ancient fair is currently in jeopardy. Religious organizers have also expressed concern that if this dispute continues, it could damage both the fair’s tradition and the luster of the old festival.
Now, reports are coming in that tension has been building in the city after contractor Ashok Sarswal accused the Central constituency MLA of demanding ₹10 lakh in cash and attempted self-immolation. Meanwhile, Lok Sabha member Amarinder Singh Raja Warring played a key role on Saturday. Raja Warring announced that a meeting would be held with the Police Commissioner, Municipal Commissioner, and Deputy Commissioner at 4 pm on Sunday. His assurances, coupled with administrative preparations for the meeting, led to the withdrawal of the protest, and the city’s Dussehra fair continued as per tradition. This decision restored peace to the area, and traffic jams at the main square gradually returned to normal.
