Political Tensions Surge in UP as Karni Sena Protests Over Rana Sanga Remarks

A political storm has erupted in Uttar Pradesh after members of the Rajput outfit, Karni Sena, staged a protest outside the residence of Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Ramji Lal Suman in Agra.

The demonstration, which involved a bulldozer and acts of vandalism, was sparked by Suman’s controversial remarks about Rajput ruler Rana Sanga.

The incident has heightened tensions between the Rajput community and the Samajwadi Party, drawing strong political reactions from various quarters.

The Controversial Remarks and Political Backlash

The controversy began when Ramji Lal Suman stated in Parliament that Rana Sanga had invited Mughal emperor Babur to India to defeat Ibrahim Lodi.

Suman further argued that if Indian Muslims are labeled as Babur’s descendants, then by the same reasoning, other communities could be seen as descendants of a “traitor” like Rana Sanga.

His comments, which questioned the Rajput legacy, quickly provoked outrage from Rajput organizations, including the Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Mahasabha and the Karni Sena.

On March 21, during a Rajya Sabha session, Suman referred to Rana Sanga as a “traitor” while claiming that Hindus were his descendants.

This statement intensified the anger among the Rajput community, leading to widespread protests. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly condemned Suman’s remarks.

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat defended Rana Sanga’s legacy, stating that he was a warrior who fought to protect India’s independence and cultural identity.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav supported Suman, arguing that his remarks were rooted in historical facts.

However, internal divisions within the SP emerged as MP Virendra Singh publicly distanced himself from Suman’s comments, stating that the party did not share such views. Singh reaffirmed Rana Sanga’s status as a valiant warrior, exposing internal discord within the party.

The Historical Debate: Did Rana Sanga Invite Babur?

Suman’s claim that Rana Sanga invited Babur to India remains a point of historical contention. Babur’s memoir, the Baburnama, mentions such an invitation but only after the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, when Babur was already consolidating his power in India.

Historians argue that it was Daulat Khan Lodi, the Governor of Punjab, who invited Babur to overthrow Ibrahim Lodi, not Rana Sanga.

Rana Sanga’s victories against Ibrahim Lodi at the Battles of Khatoli (1517) and Dholpur (1518) reflect his military strength, raising doubts about the need for Babur’s intervention.

Furthermore, Rana Sanga’s eventual opposition to Babur at the Battle of Khanwa in 1527 suggests that any alliance between them was either nonexistent or very brief.

The historical narrative remains divided, with different interpretations of the political dynamics of that era.

Karni Sena’s Political Influence and Role

The Karni Sena, which led the protests against Suman, was founded in 2005 to represent Rajput interests. Initially focused on caste-based reservations, the group later became active in defending Rajput history and culture.

The Karni Sena first gained national attention in 2008 when it protested against the Bollywood film Jodhaa Akbar, alleging that it misrepresented Rajput history.

It became more prominent in 2017 during the violent protests against Padmaavat, claiming that the film distorted the story of Queen Padmavati.

In Uttar Pradesh, the Karni Sena has had a fluctuating political stance. During the 2024 general elections, Rajputs in western Uttar Pradesh expressed dissatisfaction with the BJP over the allocation of party tickets.

At a Swabhiman Mahapanchayat in Muzaffarnagar, Rajput leaders called for a boycott of BJP candidates, accusing the party of sidelining their community.

The Karni Sena’s protest against Suman highlights the Rajput community’s growing political influence and its potential to shape electoral outcomes in the state.

Who Is Ramji Lal Suman?

Ramji Lal Suman, at the center of this controversy, is a veteran Samajwadi Party leader. His appointment to the Rajya Sabha last year was seen as a strategic move by Akhilesh Yadav to broaden the party’s support among Dalits.

Suman has served four terms as a Lok Sabha MP from Firozabad and has had a long political career. He began his political journey in 1977 with the Bharatiya Lok Dal, later joining the Janata Dal and eventually becoming a key figure in the Samajwadi Party.

He has held a ministerial position and is known for advocating social justice issues, including introducing a bill for restoring Aligarh Muslim University’s minority status.

The Protest and Aftermath

The protest outside Suman’s house turned violent as over a thousand Karni Sena members arrived with a bulldozer, chanting slogans and pelting stones.

Several police officers were injured, and property outside Suman’s house, including at least ten cars, was damaged. The protesters allegedly attempted to break down the main gate but were stopped by the police.

Samajwadi Party workers confronted the protesters, leading to further clashes. Police resorted to a mild lathi charge to control the situation.

Alok Kumar, Station House Officer (SHO) of Hariparwat police station, confirmed that additional police forces had been deployed to maintain peace. Some protesters were arrested but were expected to be released soon.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Aditya stated that an FIR would be filed, and those identified from CCTV footage would face legal action.

Okendra Rana, the youth wing chief of the Karni Sena, justified the protest, warning that similar actions would follow if Rajput icons were disrespected again.

Political Fallout and Future Implications

The controversy over Suman’s remarks presents a significant political challenge for the Samajwadi Party. Akhilesh Yadav’s defense of Suman risks alienating Rajput voters, while the BJP has capitalized on the backlash to strengthen its position among the Rajput community.

For the Karni Sena, the incident serves as an opportunity to assert political influence and rally Rajput support.

The BJP’s support for the Rajput community could bolster its electoral standing, while the SP’s internal divisions could weaken its prospects in upcoming elections.

The political fallout from this controversy is likely to have lasting implications for Uttar Pradesh’s political landscape, influencing party strategies and voter alignments in future elections.