The ongoing controversy over historical remarks took a violent turn on Wednesday when Karni Sena activists attacked the residence of Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Ramji Lal Suman in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The outrage stemmed from Suman’s statement in the Rajya Sabha, where he allegedly referred to Rajput warrior king Rana Sanga as a “traitor,” triggering anger among Rajput groups, particularly the Karni Sena.
Mob Violence at MP’s Residence
More than a thousand Karni Sena members, some wielding a bulldozer, gathered outside Suman’s home, resorting to vandalism. Protesters shattered chairs, pelted stones, and damaged over ten vehicles parked nearby. They attempted to breach the main gate as police tried to control the situation.
Amid chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram,’ the mob forced its way past barricades, prompting authorities to lock down the residential society and impose strict restrictions, urging residents to stay indoors.
SP-Karni Sena Clash Sparks Police Action
As SP workers rushed to Suman’s defense, violent clashes erupted between the two groups. Police intervened with a lathi charge, but tensions continued until reinforcements from multiple stations arrived to restore order.
Karni Sena Leader Injured, Vows Retaliation
Karni Sena National President Veeru Singh later claimed he sustained a fractured leg during the police crackdown. “History has been written today in Agra in honor of Rana Sanga. The police attacked us. I broke my leg,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Karni Sena Youth President Okendra Rana, in a video statement, demanded a public apology from Suman at the Maharana Sanga Memorial in Rupwas, declaring, “If anyone insults our ancestors and great warriors, we will not remain silent. Every brick of Suman’s house should bear the name of Rana Sanga.”
What Did SP MP Ramji Lal Suman Say?
The controversy erupted after Suman, during a parliamentary debate on March 21, responded to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) assertion that Muslims carried Babur’s DNA. Countering this, he stated:
“If Muslims are said to have Babur’s DNA, then whose DNA do Hindus have? Babur was invited to India by none other than Rana Sanga to defeat Ibrahim Lodi. If Muslims are Babur’s descendants, then Hindus are the descendants of the ‘traitor’ Rana Sanga. This should be established once and for all.”
He further remarked, “People criticize Babur, but never Rana Sanga. Those who talk about nationalism should remember that during the freedom struggle, many among them sided with the British.”
These statements angered the Rajput community and Karni Sena, who viewed them as an insult to one of India’s most revered warrior kings.
Who Was Rana Sanga?
Maharana Sangram Singh, popularly known as Rana Sanga, ruled Mewar from 1509 to 1528. A fearless warrior and unifier of Rajput clans, he waged multiple battles to protect Rajputana from foreign invaders. His most famous confrontation was the 1527 Battle of Khanwa against Babur, where he sought to drive the Mughals out of India. Despite being defeated due to Babur’s superior artillery, Rana Sanga is hailed as a symbol of valor and Rajput pride.
Political Reactions Intensify
SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav Defends Suman, Slams BJP
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav condemned the attack on Suman’s residence, stating, “The Samajwadi Party believes in social justice and an egalitarian society. Our aim is not to insult any historical figure, including Rana Sanga. The BJP has always used selective historical narratives to gain political mileage and divide society along religious and caste lines.”
He further alleged that the attack was orchestrated with tacit support from the ruling UP government.
BJP MP Says Sentiments Were Hurt
BJP MP Jagdambika Pal criticized Suman’s remarks, asserting, “His comments deeply hurt the sentiments of millions. No public representative has the right to make derogatory statements about a respected historical figure. Such remarks are made only to create controversy and stay in the limelight by attacking Sanatan Dharma.”
SP MP’s Son Accuses Karni Sena
Ranjeet Suman, son of the embattled MP, blamed Karni Sena for the attack, saying, “We had been receiving threats on social media for the past two days. Today, they finally attacked, injuring several people. Despite the Chief Minister being present just a kilometer away, this incident happened. It’s clear who is behind it.”
As political tensions soar, law enforcement remains on high alert in Agra, anticipating further unrest.