27 March 2025
Controversy and Public Outcry in Rajasthan
The political landscape in Rajasthan is ablaze following statements made by Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Ramji Lal Suman, who described the revered 16th-century Mewar ruler, Rana Sanga, as a 'traitor.' His claim that Rana Sanga invited Mughal emperor Babur to India to defeat Ibrahim Lodi during a Rajya Sabha discussion on March 21, 2025, has fueled protests across the state. Major cities including Jaipur, Bikaner, Ajmer, and Udaipur have seen mass gatherings, where demonstrators ardently expressed their dissatisfaction.
The protests were organized by groups such as the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, and Karni Sena. In dramatic displays of dissent, these groups burned effigies of Suman in Bikaner and submitted memorandums demanding his expulsion from the Rajya Sabha. The agitation took a violent turn in Agra, where Karni Sena members targeted Suman’s residence, causing destruction and clashing with police forces. This group even declared a ₹5 lakh reward for anyone willing to blacken Suman’s face, further escalating tensions.
Political and Historical Disputes
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma did not hold back in his condemnation, viewing Suman’s remarks as an affront to the country's storied warriors, notably pointing out Rana Sanga's legendary bravery and numerous battle scars – the ruler is said to have borne 80 wounds in service to his land. The backlash from political figures was far-reaching, with BJP heavyweights, such as Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Rajya Sabha MP Dinesh Sharma, decrying the statement as a misrepresentation of history. They highlighted Rana Sanga's formidable resistance against foreign invasions.
In contrast, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav leapt to Suman's defense, drawing parallels with historical figures like Shivaji and events like Galileo's persecution, suggesting that Suman’s words should be seen in context. However, the basis of Suman's argument has been broadly rejected by both historians and political commentators, who clarify that Babur’s advent preceded Rana Sanga’s rule. This incident has served to reopen discussions about historical narratives, reminiscent of recent debates surrounding figures like the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
The backlash has not stopped at verbal protests. Protestors are ardently pressing for legal action against Suman, urging President Droupadi Murmu to annul his Rajya Sabha membership. The topic has already seeped into the legislative sessions, with BJP MLAs raising it in Rajasthan's Assembly, inciting heated exchanges with Congress over procedural technicalities. Vishwaraj Mewar, a descendant of the Mewar royal family, accused SP leaders of disseminating untruths to sow discord among the populace.
