Political News

ET Online — Mar 27, 2025, 05:26 PM ISTUttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the people of Agra identify more with the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj than with the Mughal era during a public event in the city, according to a report by The Economic Times. Addressing a gathering to mark the eighth anniversary of the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government, Yogi said that Agra’s cultural roots are firmly grounded in Indian tradition, including Brajbhoomi, Vrindavan Bihari Lal, and Radha Rani, rather than its association with Mughal rule. He stated that if the city’s identity were to be linked to any historical figure, it should be Shivaji Maharaj, the 17th-century Maratha warrior king. The Chief Minister also highlighted a decision by his government to rename a proposed Mughal museum project in Agra, shifting focus instead toward recognizing Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy. Plans for a memorial dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj in Agra were also announced as part of this shift in emphasis. In addition to cultural remarks, Yogi inaugurated 128 development projects worth ₹635 crore aimed at boosting Agra’s infrastructure, economy, and welfare initiatives. He noted improvements in the city’s industries—such as support for petha and leather sectors—as well as broader progress in infrastructure, safety, and public services under his administration. The projects include plans for Metro Rail completion in Agra, enhanced water supply through the Ganga project, expansion of civil aviation facilities, and increased household amenities like tap water connections. Welfare schemes like PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi and housing programs were also highlighted. Yogi asserted that infrastructure and welfare improvements since 2017 demonstrate a positive transformation in public services and quality of life for citizens across Uttar Pradesh.

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.

Economic Times / Politics & Nation — Published March 26-27, 2025 Activists from the Karni Sena, a Rajput community-based group, vandalised the residence of Samajwadi Party (SP) Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Lal Suman in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, after the lawmaker made controversial comments about the 16th-century Rajput ruler Rana Sanga during a Parliament session. The attack on his Agra home sparked political tensions, with both the SP and BJP accusing each other of playing caste politics in the aftermath of the incident. 🔥 What Happened The Karni Sena protesters, incensed by Suman’s remarks on Rana Sanga, gathered in Agra and vandalised chairs and cars outside the MP’s residence in the Sanjay Place area. Police intervened, but some officers were injured while trying to stop the mob from entering the property. The MP was not at home when the attack occurred. Reports say the protest was triggered by remarks Suman made in the Rajya Sabha, where he described Rana Sanga — a revered historical figure among Rajputs — in a way that was interpreted as derogatory, leading to widespread backlash from Rajput groups, including the Karni Sena. 📌 Political Reactions 🧨 Broader Context The Rana Sanga controversy inflamed sentiments because Rana Sanga, a historic Rajput ruler, is held in high esteem by many in the Rajput community. The Karni Sena — known for mobilising over perceived slights to Rajput pride — saw Suman’s comments as an insult that warranted protest. The Economic Times The aftermath of the attack saw continued political arguments, with SP leaders alleging laxity by the administration, while BJP members sought to condemn violence and distance the party from extremist action