Amidst calls for an apology and protests against Samajwadi Party (SP) Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Lal Suman’s controversial remarks regarding Rajput king Rana Sanga in Uttar Pradesh, party chief Akhilesh Yadav has taken a firm stance. On Saturday, Mr. Yadav expressed unwavering support for the MP and emphasized the importance of unity among communities under the SP’s PDA (Pichda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) platform.
The SP chief’s declaration came during the unveiling of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s statue in Etawah as part of the party’s Ambedkar Jayanti Swabhiman Swaman Samaroh. Addressing the crowd, Mr. Yadav highlighted the significance of solidarity within the PDA family. He urged all members to pledge to uphold Babasaheb’s Constitution and defend the honor of individuals like Ramji Lal Suman within the Samajwadi Party.
In a poignant moment, Mr. Yadav declared, “If anyone insults our Ramji Lal Sumanji, our worker, we Samajwadi people will stand with them, will fight for their honor.” This statement resonated deeply with supporters and underscored the party’s commitment to protecting its own against unwarranted attacks.
Further south in Agra, tensions escalated as members of over 40 Kshatriya groups, including the Karni Sena, gathered for a ‘Rakt Swabhiman’ conference, demanding an apology from MP Ramji Lal Suman for his contentious statements about the revered 16th-century king, Rana Sanga. In response to these demands, Mr. Yadav dismissed the protestors as “fake” and accused them of being aligned with the BJP, emphasizing the need for unity among marginalized communities.
Expressing concern over the treatment of Bahujan Samaj members and the erosion of reservation rights, Mr. Yadav emphasized the importance of PDA communities working together to secure the future of 90% of the population. He also criticized the BJP for allegedly supporting disruptive elements and sowing discord in society, further fueling the political divide.
The Karni Sena demonstration, held in Garhi Rami village on the occasion of Rana Sanga Jayanti, drew participants from various districts, with visuals of armed men on social media raising alarm. Shashank Rajput, a Karni Sena sympathizer, defended the protest, stating, “No one has the right to disrespect our idol who is a brave son of mother India,” highlighting the emotional fervor surrounding the issue.
As tensions mounted, security measures were heightened at Mr. Suman’s residence in Agra following an attack by Karni Sena members. The deployment of personnel from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) aimed to ensure the safety and security of the embattled MP amidst escalating hostilities.
Responding to the unfolding situation, the BJP condemned the SP president’s remarks, accusing him of promoting division and social unrest for political gain. Pushkar Mishra, a senior BJP leader from Uttar Pradesh, emphasized the need for peace and condemned any attempt to incite violence or disrupt harmony in the state.
The controversy surrounding Mr. Suman, sparked by his comments linking Indian Muslims to Babur and Rana Sanga, continues to reverberate, with Karni Sena members attempting to storm his residence in protest. The fallout from these inflammatory statements underscores the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the responsibility to maintain social harmony.
As the political landscape in Uttar Pradesh remains fraught with tension and polarization, the need for dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect becomes increasingly urgent. The clash of ideologies and historical narratives serves as a stark reminder of the complex tapestry of Indian society, where divergent perspectives must find common ground to forge a path towards unity and progress.
