Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday offered tributes to medieval Rajput king Rana Sanga on his birthday, appreciating his commitment towards safeguarding religion and his history of patriotism and sacrifice.
On the birthday of the great Rana Sanga Ji, who was committed to safeguarding religion, many greetings to him! His tale of glory, a reflection of patriotism and sacrifice, is a golden page in history. His courage will keep nourishing the soil of India with self-respect for centuries," CM Yogi tweeted on X (formerly Twitter).
The tribute is made in the middle of a political row initiated by the statement made by Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Ramji Lal Suman in the Rajya Sabha. Suman described Rana Sanga as a "traitor" while participating in a parliamentary discussion, which resulted in indignation, especially in Agra. In retaliation, a huge mob of protesters marched outside Suman's house, and members of the Karni Sena tried to barge into his house. But they were intercepted by the police, and an altercation ensued that led to injury to some individuals.
In his speech to parliament, Suman asserted that Rana Sanga had summoned Mughal emperor Babur to India so that he would vanquish Ibrahim Lodi. "The BJP leaders very often declare that Muslims have the DNA of Babur. However, the Indians do not accept Babur as their role model — they regard Prophet Mohammad," he asked in disbelief, also asking, "Who sent Babur to India? Rana Sanga sent him.
The BJP has sought an apology from Suman for his statement, but the MP has refused to withdraw his words.
In a bid to calm the crisis, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav cautioned against reopening controversial chapters of history, stating, "The pages of history that carry controversy should not be reopened."
The controversy comes at a time when a big event is being organized by the Karni Sena in Agra on the birth anniversary of Rana Sanga. The rally, named Rakt Swabhiman Sammelan, will see participants from various states and will have a list of known personalities. For peace and tranquility, the police have put stringent security arrangements in the district.
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