In a dramatic turn of events, the Karni Sena's "Rakht Swabhiman" rally in Agra on April 12, 2025, escalated into chaos as approximately 50,000 participants clashed with police. The rally, commemorating the birth anniversary of Rajput king Rana Sanga, saw attendees brandishing swords and sticks as tensions flared when law enforcement arrived at the venue.
The rally commenced at noon in Gadhi Rami, Agra, with a significant presence of Kshatriya community members from various states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The atmosphere turned volatile as police attempted to maintain order, leading to a standoff where rally participants surrounded officers and shouted slogans against Samajwadi Party MP Ramji Lal Suman.
Witnesses reported that the crowd became agitated upon seeing police, leading to a fierce protest that prompted law enforcement to withdraw from the area. The situation was exacerbated by the previously controversial remarks made by MP Suman regarding Rana Sanga, which had ignited outrage among the Kshatriya community. Suman had called Rana Sanga a "gaddar" (traitor), suggesting that he invited Babur to defeat Ibrahim Lodi, a statement that many found deeply offensive.
In response to the unrest, authorities deployed between 5,000 to 6,000 police personnel from surrounding districts, alongside several battalions of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC). Despite these efforts, police struggled to contain the situation as the rally escalated. The area around Suman's residence was heavily fortified, with barricades and metal detectors set up to prevent any potential violence.
During the rally, numerous women voiced their anger against Suman, demanding he apologize in Parliament for his remarks. Namrata Singh Rajput, a participant from Madhya Pradesh, stated, "We have organized this event to honor Rana Sanga. Ramji Lal Suman does not understand history; he should apologize for his offensive comments." Another rally attendee, Damini Singh, echoed this sentiment, insisting that it was not too late for Suman to retract his statements.
Adding to the tension, a youth at the rally was reported to have threatened former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, declaring that India would not tolerate insults to its ancestors. This incident further escalated the already charged atmosphere surrounding the event. Akhilesh Yadav, in turn, dismissed the Karni Sena's actions as politically motivated, labeling them as "fake" and linked to the BJP.
As the rally progressed, participants were seen waving swords and sticks, with some even brandishing firearms, raising concerns about safety and the potential for violence. The police had to implement a traffic diversion plan throughout Agra, restricting vehicular movement to ensure public safety.
In the lead-up to the rally, security had been heightened around Suman's home following a previous attack on March 26, which had left him feeling threatened. He had sought protection from the Allahabad High Court, citing fears for his safety after the rally was announced. Suman expressed his frustration over the threats he received, stating, "What options do I have left? They have tried to end my family."
As the day unfolded, the Karni Sena issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding action against Suman by 5 PM. If their demands were not met, they threatened to escalate their protests. Raj Shekhawat, a leader within the Karni Sena, emphasized the urgency of their demands, stating, "We are giving the government until 5 PM to respond. After that, our time will begin."
The rally's organizers worked tirelessly to set up the event after severe weather the night before had damaged the stage. Despite the challenges, they managed to prepare for the expected turnout of over 100,000 participants, as various Kshatriya organizations rallied together to support the cause.
As security forces continued to monitor the situation, the police remained on high alert, prepared to respond to any unforeseen developments. The tense atmosphere in Agra highlighted the deep-rooted sentiments of the Kshatriya community and their demand for respect and recognition of their historical figures.
In conclusion, the "Rakht Swabhiman" rally not only showcased the unity of the Kshatriya community but also underscored the political tensions surrounding the remarks made by Ramji Lal Suman. As the day progressed, the potential for further conflict loomed large, leaving many to wonder how the situation would unfold in the days to come.
