Rajputs flex ‘political muscle’ at community event in Jaipur

JAIPUR: It’s still two years for the next assembly elections but the Rajput community in Rajasthan flexed its political muscles by pouring into the state capital on the 75th foundation day of its social organisation, Shree Kshatriya Yuvak Sangh, on Wednesday.
Turning out in unprecedented numbers, the community sent a message of its political reawakening and unity to the corridors of power.Ministers from BJP and Congress governments at the Centre and the state, respectively, participated in the celebrations of the non-political organisation but subtly praised their parties.
BJP leaders such as Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and deputy leader of opposition Rajendra Rathore found common cause with the organisation inspired by the RSS, while Congress speakers, cabinet minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas and former employees' union leader Dharmendra Rathore, stressed on showing their love for Lord Ram and 'Kshatriya Dharm'.
The Congress leaders did not miss the opportunity to credit Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot for implementing the quota for economically weaker sections (EWS) in state jobs. Dharmendra Rathore demanded the Modi-government to implement EWS in central government jobs, while minister Khachariyawas wanted the Centre to give relaxations in EWS eligibility criteria.
Union minister Shekhawat refrained from responding to statements by the two Congress leaders.
“People have made political statements here, but my grooming in the Sangh (RSS) tells me not to do so at the community programme,” he said and praised the Rajput organisation for promoting values and ethos among the youth to build a strong society.
Deputy leader of opposition Rajendra Rathore recalled the role of the organisation and its branch ‘Pratap Foundation’ in getting EWS quota for the community in the non-reserved category. “Come together, time is calling you again. We should again come into the role of a ‘sardar’ (leader); let us win the trust of all (communities) and take everyone along with us. Let us prove that we will have participation in the history being written in this democracy. I have never seen such a large gathering of people in my lifetime,” said Rathore.
Pratap Foundation convener Mahavir Singh Sarvadi said, “There were 57 Rajput MLAs out of 160 in the first state assembly (1952-67); but today, there are just 17.”
On the occasion, the organisation passed the chief's baton from Bhagwan Singh Rolsahabsar to Lakshman Singh Bainyakabas after a gap of 32 years. The event witnessed an impressive turnout of Rajputs from across the state. The venue — Bhawani Niketan Shikshan Samiti campus spread over a couple of bighas — was overflowing with men and women attired in saffron turbans and ‘odhani’ (saree/sari).
The organisation’s new head, Lakshman Singh Bainyakabas, spoke about its founder late Tan Singh, who was a two-term MP and two-term MLA between 1952 and 1979. Citing examples from the Ramayana and Gita, he stressed on character building of people to have a strong nation.
Other community leaders such as cabinet ministers Mahesh Joshi and Sukhram Bishnoi, BJP state president Satish Poonia, general secretary Chandrashekhar, and former minister Arun Chaturvedi were present along with several other Rajput MPs, MLAs and leaders from both parties.