Agra: Karni Sena holds armed rally against Samajwadi Party’s MP, police stand down
Agra: An armed rally by Karni Sena has sparked serious concerns over law enforcement and public safety, in Agra on Friday, openly brandishing swords and sticks while raising provocative slogans against Samajwadi Party MP Dr. Ramji Lal Suman. The rally, held to mark the birth anniversary of Rajput icon Rana Sanga, witnessed the participation of thousands of Karni Sena members, many of whom were seen carrying weapons in the presence of the police.
Despite the large police deployment, including PAC personnel and senior officers such as the Additional Commissioner, no preventive or punitive action was taken by law enforcement authorities as the rally progressed. Visuals that have now gone viral on social media show rally participants waving swords, raising slogans, and even threatening prominent political figures, including former Chief Minister and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav.
The rally was reportedly organized to press for action against Dr. Ramji Lal Suman, the SP MP from Agra, who had earlier made a remark citing historical sources that Rana Sanga had invited Mughal ruler Babar to India. Although Suman had publicly apologized for the remark and clarified that it was not intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments, the Karni Sena had reacted sharply, terming it an insult to Rajput pride.
On March 26, 2025, soon after Suman's statement, Karni Sena members had reportedly attacked the MP's residence in Agra. Stones were pelted, vehicles were vandalized, windows smashed, and even police personnel were injured during the violence. Despite the severity of the incident, no major crackdown followed. The April 12 rally has now reignited concerns about the administration's handling of the group.
The Karni Sena had publicly declared their intent to organize the rally irrespective of police permission. Their national president, Raj Shekhawat, had even stated that they would march toward Suman’s house if their demands were not met. In anticipation, Agra Police had increased security outside the MP’s residence, ordered an additional 1,200 helmets and 1,000 batons, deployed drones, and set up barricades in sensitive zones.
However, when the rally took place, the arrangements appeared insufficient and ineffective. Crowd control measures were not enforced, and police presence appeared symbolic rather than deterrent. According to reports, the participants ignored police warnings, waving weapons and sticks in full view of law enforcement, and shouting slogans against SP leaders.
In a particularly alarming development, a Karni Sena leader can be seen in a viral video threatening to kill SP chief Akhilesh Yadav. Despite this direct threat, there has been no confirmation from the police on any action taken against the speaker.
The silence of the administration during the rally, as well as in response to the earlier March 26 attack on the MP's house, has raised sharp criticism. Many political observers and citizens have questioned why such actions were tolerated and why the law was not enforced when the potential for violence was already known.
The Samajwadi Party has described these incidents as targeted attacks against the Dalit community and political intimidation. Akhilesh Yadav has alleged that Karni Sena operates with tacit support from the BJP, and that the threats and violence are being allowed under the current regime.
Social media users have also reacted strongly to the visuals of the rally. Several users questioned whether other groups—such as protesting farmers or students—would have been allowed to behave similarly without police action. Some commentators have called the event an open challenge to law and order in Uttar Pradesh, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s recent critical remarks on the deteriorating situation in the state.
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CM Siddaramaiah alleges ‘criminal conspiracy’ in Sringeri recount, vows legal action
Bengaluru (PTI): Alleging a “criminal conspiracy” by BJP candidate D N Jeevaraj in the Sringeri Assembly poll recounting, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the outcome was manipulated after valid postal ballot votes in favour of Congress leader T D Raje Gowda were tampered with during the recounting process.
Following a Karnataka High Court order on an election petition filed by Jeevaraj, challenging Raje Gowda’s election, the reverification and recounting were conducted on Saturday.
After the reverification and recount of postal ballots for the Sringeri Assembly constituency, votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda were reduced by 255, the returning officer said.
A report on the matter has been submitted to the Election Commission of India for further action, the officer added.
Congress leader Raje Gowda had won the 2023 Assembly polls from Sringeri by 201 votes, defeating his nearest rival Jeevaraj.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the High Court had directed the recounting of postal ballots and that irregularities were noticed during the exercise conducted on May 2.
“This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” Siddaramaiah said, alleging that valid votes cast in favour of Raje Gowda were altered after being accepted by counting agents of all parties, including Congress, BJP, and JD(S).
He claimed that during the recounting of postal ballots, 255 votes were initially accepted as valid by all agents but were later tampered with by subordinate officials.
“There is a second mark on the votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda. They had accepted these as valid votes. Subsequently, another mark was made by officials. This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” he said.
When asked who was behind the alleged conspiracy, the CM replied, “It was hatched by Jeevaraj and others. It is planned.”
Siddaramaiah further alleged that the returning officer acted improperly by declaring the result despite the presence of an Election Commission observer during the recounting.
“Immediately after the counting, the returning officer announced the result. He should not have done so; this is against the law,” he said.
He pointed out that Raje Gowda had originally won by 201 votes, but after the recounting, the BJP candidate was declared the winner by 52 votes.
“The BJP has committed a criminal act of conspiracy. This is not vote chori but vote dacoity,” he alleged.
The CM said a police complaint had already been filed by Raje Gowda’s election agent, Sudhir Kumar, and emphasised the need for electoral integrity.
“We want transparency and free and fair elections. That is what our Constitution mandates,” he added.
Stating that the government would pursue legal remedies, Siddaramaiah said, “We are preparing an appeal challenging the returning officer’s announcement in a court of law.”
Responding to a separate query on elections in other states, the CM said there appeared to be an anti-incumbency factor in West Bengal, while results in Tamil Nadu were “surprising,” adding that Vijay’s party was emerging as the largest there.
Following the victory of party candidates in Bagalkote and Davanagere South, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence about future electoral prospects in Karnataka.
“Even in 2028, we will win the Assembly elections. We will come back,” the CM said.
Siddaramaiah added that he would order a forensic examination into the alleged tampering of postal ballots.
