A contentious statement made by Bharatiya Janata Party state president Madan Rathore regarding Pakistan has triggered severe political friction across Rajasthan. The remarks have ignited widespread protests, with opposition workers taking to the streets in multiple districts to register their strong disapproval and demand strict legal action against the leader.
Protests Outside the BJP Office in Ajmer
In Ajmer, the protest escalated directly to the local BJP office where Youth Congress activists gathered in numbers. The demonstrators pasted posters bearing slogans against Madan Rathore on the office premises. Using spray paint, they inscribed slogans branding the party and leaders with harsh words. The protesting workers explicitly demanded that a sedition case be registered against Madan Rathore over his remarks concerning Pakistan.
The demonstration prompted immediate administrative intervention. Superintendent of Police North Shivam Joshi, Civil Lines police station in-charge Shambhu Singh, and a large police contingent rushed to the spot. Intelligence and security agency teams also reached the location to assess the unfolding law and order situation and gather evidence.
Detention of Five Workers Including Mohit Malhotra
Following the incident, local law enforcement authorities detained five workers from Kishangarh, including former city Youth Congress president Mohit Malhotra. According to initial police findings, the protest activity outside the ruling party's office, including the poster campaign and graffiti, was executed under the leadership of Mohit Malhotra. Police formed multiple teams to identify other participants involved in the incident. Senior officials, including the Additional Superintendent of Police, visited the BJP office to gather detailed information.
Formal Complaint Filed by the BJP
In response to the trespass and defacement, representatives of the BJP filed a formal complaint at the Civil Lines police station. The complaint accuses the agitators of forcibly entering the party office and causing damage to property. Acting on this grievance, the police initiated legal proceedings and took the identified individuals into custody from various locations.
Effigy Burning and Protests in Bikaner
Meanwhile, similar protests erupted in Bikaner. Acting on directives issued by the Pradesh Congress Committee, city and rural Congress workers assembled at the prominent Kotgate area. The demonstrators expressed their anger by burning an effigy of Madan Rathore. Former minister Dr. B.D. Kalla also voiced strong objections to the remarks, adding further weight to the local agitation.
Escalating Political Confrontation
The controversy surrounding Madan Rathore's statement has sharply intensified the political standoff between the BJP and the Congress party in the state. While police investigations are underway in Ajmer to examine the sequence of events, the formal verification of the charges brought forward in the ruling party's complaint will depend on the final outcome of the ongoing police inquiry.
