Amid public outcry, the Khargone Municipal Council in Madhya Pradesh has decided to replace the inadequate fiber-reinforced polymer statue of the revered tribal revolutionary figure “Tantya Mama Bhil,” also known as “Krantisurya” Tantya Mama, with a new metal statue to show proper respect. The controversy arose when a substandard FRP statue was installed at Tantya Mama Bhil Tiraha (Bistan Naka Chowk) instead of the approved bronze, metal, or stone statue as per the Rs 9.90 lakh tender.
The original statue, inaugurated in late 2025, was valued at only Rs 75,000 – 1 lakh, leading to accusations of corruption and hurting tribal sentiments. Following this, the Urban Administration and Development Department took action by suspending Assistant Engineer Manish Mahajan and Sub-Engineer Jitendra Medha for negligence, dereliction of duty, and breaching service rules. A new metal statue has been approved through a resolution passed on January 13, 2026, with an online e-tender issued on January 19, 2026, and bids expected by February 2.
The move to replace the statue aims to rectify the situation and honor the legacy of Tantya Mama, a Bhil tribal leader from the Nimar region known for his resistance against British colonial rule in the late 19th century. Often compared to “India’s Robin Hood,” Tantya Mama fought against colonial oppression through guerrilla attacks, redistributing wealth to the poor before his capture and execution in 1889. His enduring legacy as a symbol of resistance and justice continues to inspire tribal communities.
