By Biswajeet Banerjee — Published March 27, 2025 / 09:19 IST
A major political controversy erupted in Uttar Pradesh after members of the Rajput outfit Karni Sena staged a violent demonstration outside the residence of Samajwadi Party (SP) Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Lal Suman in Agra.
The protest — marked by the presence of a bulldozer and a large crowd — was triggered by Suman’s remarks in Parliament about the 16th-century Rajput ruler Rana Sanga.
🔥 What Suman Said That Sparked Backlash
Suman had asserted in the Rajya Sabha that Rana Sanga invited Mughal emperor Babur to India to defeat Ibrahim Lodi, a claim that questioned the legacy of the Rajput hero. He also argued that if Indian Muslims are labeled as descendants of Babur, then by the same reasoning, Hindus would have to be considered descendants of “a traitor like Rana Sanga.”
These remarks deeply offended Rajput groups, who regard Rana Sanga as a revered warrior and symbol of Rajput pride.
🚩 The Attack and Protests
Karni Sena activists, along with supporters of other Rajput organisations, gathered outside Suman’s Agra residence in the Sanjay Place area and vandalised property. They used a bulldozer in the protest, broke through police barricades, chanted slogans, and damaged vehicles and furniture outside the house.
Police intervened, and several officers were reportedly injured while trying to control the crowd. An FIR was later registered by the Agra police.
The protest was not limited to Agra — Karni Sena and allied Rajput bodies burned effigies of Suman, demanded his resignation, and called for legal action and disciplinary measures against him.
🧠 Historical Debate and Political Fallout
The claim that Rana Sanga invited Babur remains historically disputed; some historians note that it was the governor Daulat Khan Lodi who invited Babur to India, not Rana Sanga.
Still, Suman’s remarks struck a political nerve, drawing condemnation from the BJP — including Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who said it was wrong to equate a revered warrior with a “traitor” — and sparking internal divisions within the SP, with some leaders distancing themselves from the comments.
🧩 Broader Political Context
The Karni Sena has a history of mobilising over perceived assaults on Rajput icons and heritage — from protests against films like Padmaavat to caste-based political demands.
Analysts say the incident has put the Samajwadi Party in a difficult position; defending Suman’s historical viewpoint risks alienating Rajput voters, while distancing from him could cause internal party tensions.