In a dramatic escalation of tensions, members of the Karni Sena protested outside the residence of Samajwadi Party MP Ramji Lal Suman in Agra on March 26, 2025, following his controversial remarks about the Rajput ruler Rana Sanga. The protest turned violent as demonstrators engaged in vandalism, breaking window panes and damaging parked vehicles near Suman's home.
Police were deployed to control the situation, employing light force to disperse the crowd, which had resorted to stone pelting and clashes with law enforcement. Eyewitnesses reported that the protesters, equipped with bulldozers, attempted to break into the MP's residence, leading to a chaotic scene as they raised slogans against Suman.
Karni Sena leader Mahipal Makrana characterized the protest as just a "trailer" of what could come, warning of more significant demonstrations if their members were mistreated. He stated, "Today, a small protest was staged outside Samajwadi Party MP Ramji Lal Suman's house... We should have given them a strong answer way earlier. We are very tolerant, but if people like him say offensive things about our great leaders like Rana Sanga, we will stage a much bigger protest across the country." This statement underscores the deep-seated anger within the community regarding Suman's remarks.
The controversy began when Suman, during a speech in the Rajya Sabha on March 21, referred to Rana Sanga as a "traitor" for allegedly inviting Babur to India to defeat Ibrahim Lodi. His comments sparked outrage, particularly among Rajput groups, who view Sanga as a heroic figure. Suman further claimed that if Muslims are considered descendants of Babur, then Hindus must be descendants of Rana Sanga, a statement that has drawn sharp criticism.
In response to the backlash, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot defended Rana Sanga's legacy, stating, "Rana Sanga was a warrior who sacrificed his life for the protection of the motherland and Sanatan Dharma. His body bore 80 wounds, yet he never showed any signs of distress." Gehlot urged the Samajwadi Party leadership to take action against Suman and issue an apology for the remarks, which he deemed an insult to the historical figure.
Earlier protests had also erupted in Bhopal, where Karni Sena members demonstrated outside the Madhya Pradesh office of the Samajwadi Party, demanding accountability from Suman. They even announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for anyone willing to blacken Suman's face and hit him with shoes, reflecting the intensity of their anger.
The unrest surrounding Suman's comments has extended beyond Agra, with protests reported in multiple states, including Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Local leaders have called for swift legal and political action against Suman, asserting that his remarks are not only historically inaccurate but also deeply offensive to the Rajput community.
Adding to the tension, a civil suit was filed against Suman and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav by advocate Ajay Pratap Singh, who accused them of spreading false narratives regarding Rana Sanga. Singh's legal action emphasizes the seriousness with which the community views Suman's comments.
In a video shared by news agencies, the chaotic scenes outside Suman's residence were evident, with police struggling to maintain order as the mob vandalized property. Reports indicated that the police had to resort to baton charges to disperse the crowd, which was described as unruly and aggressive. Visuals showed broken chairs and damaged vehicles, highlighting the extent of the violence.
As the protests unfolded, a local resident condemned the incident, noting that a person from Haryana had announced the attack on Facebook Live prior to the protest. This raised concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement in preventing such incidents, with many calling it a failure of the administration.
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav defended Suman, asserting that the remarks were based on historical facts and criticizing the BJP for attempting to distract from pressing issues. Yadav stated, "If Ramji Lal Suman ji has referred to a page in history that contains certain facts, then what’s the issue?" This response indicates a broader political struggle, with the Samajwadi Party navigating the fallout from Suman's comments while facing pressure from rival factions.
The protests have not only highlighted the divisions within Indian society regarding historical narratives but also the political ramifications of such statements. With the Kshatriya community rallying around Rana Sanga's legacy, the incident serves as a reminder of the powerful emotions tied to historical figures in India's complex socio-political landscape.
As the situation continues to develop, the involvement of various political leaders and community groups suggests that the fallout from Suman's remarks will resonate well beyond Agra, potentially influencing future political dynamics in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
