A fierce political and cultural storm broke out on Wednesday outside the residence of Samajwadi Party MP Ramji Lal Suman in Agra after right-wing outfit Karni Sena staged a protest against the MP’s controversial remarks about 16th-century Rajput king Rana Sanga. The protest soon turned violent, prompting police to conduct a lathi charge to disperse the crowd.
Key Highlights:
What Sparked the Protest?
Ramji Lal Suman, a Rajya Sabha MP from SP, had recently stirred controversy by claiming that Rana Sanga was a “traitor” because he invited Babur, the Mughal emperor, to India to fight Ibrahim Lodi. Citing Babur’s memoir ‘Baburnama’, Suman asserted that this historical fact is often overlooked in popular narratives.
Major Scenes from the Agra Protest
- Karni Sena members, waving saffron flags and shouting slogans, attempted to force entry into the MP’s residence.
- When stopped by police, the group resorted to violence, smashing cars, breaking chairs, and damaging public property.
- A man was seen standing on a vandalized Tata Safari with a BJP flag, screaming obscenities and attempting to rip the flag off.
- Multiple vehicles parked outside the residence were damaged as the mob grew increasingly aggressive.
- Police resorted to lathi-charge after failing to control the crowd with barricades, as visuals showed widespread chaos on the streets.
#WATCH | Agra, UP: Stone pelting at the residence of Samajwadi Party MP Ramji Lal Suman, window panes broken and vehicles parked outside vandalised. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/AnUnojnBkl
— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2025
Ramji Lal Suman’s Clarification and SP’s Stand
Responding to the backlash, Suman reiterated:
“It is a historical fact that Rana Sanga invited Babur. Babur didn’t come for religion, he came with a sword. Indian Muslims do not consider him their ideal.”
The Samajwadi Party, defending their MP, accused the BJP of politicizing the issue to divert attention from real problems such as unemployment and inflation.
BJP’s Reaction and Akhilesh Yadav’s Counter
The BJP condemned the remarks, calling it a “shameful act”, and demanded an apology from the SP. However, Akhilesh Yadav hit back, accusing the BJP of selective outrage.
“If BJP continues to flip through history, people will also remember… Shivaji was anointed with the toe of a left foot. Will BJP condemn this today?” he remarked.
Historical Context: Rana Sanga and Babur
- According to historical records including the Baburnama, Rana Sanga had initially supported Babur to overthrow Ibrahim Lodi.
- However, relations deteriorated, leading to the Battle of Khanwa (1527) where Babur defeated Rana Sanga.
- Suman used this historical context to frame his controversial opinion, sparking the intense backlash.
A History Debate Turns Violent
#WATCH | Agra, UP: Vandalism and stone pelting broke outside the residence of Samajwadi Party MP Ramji Lal Suman. Police try to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control.
— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2025
(Note: Abusive language) pic.twitter.com/ocsKqkgUJD
What began as a historical interpretation turned into a major political flashpoint, highlighting how history continues to fuel present-day tensions. While the Delhi police managed to control the situation, the clash underscores deeper divisions in how Indian history is perceived, interpreted, and politically utilized.
With protests escalating, legal and political consequences may follow as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.
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