Samajwadi Party leader Ramji Lal Suman addressed the controversy over his remarks on Rana Sanga, condemning violence and advocating legal measures for dissent. He emphasized the importance of social harmony and non-violence, announcing that SP chief Akhilesh Yadav will visit on April 19 to discuss further actions.
Samajwadi Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Lal Suman addressed the controversy over his remarks on historical figure Rana Sanga on Tuesday. He reiterated his commitment to social harmony and condemned any form of violence in response to dissent.
Speaking to the media, Suman said, "I am a supporter of social harmony. If someone opposes my views, then there is a way of expressing dissent in our country. There is the Constitution, there is law. So, they should take the help of the law. Violence begets destruction. Violence is not good."
Referring to the backlash his comments have received, the SP MP emphasised that ideological differences are natural in a democracy. "As far as tussle is concerned, tussle of ideas takes place among political parties...Gandhi, Lohia and Jayaprakash are our ideas. We believe in non-violence. So, we will devise a future strategy, and our agitation will be in a non-violent manner," he said.
Suman also announced that SP chief Akhilesh Yadav is scheduled to visit on April 19.
"On 19th April, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav will visit us. I will speak with him, and further course of action will be decided," he added.
Ramji Lal Suman has sparked controversy with his statement on Rana Sanga, a 16th-century Rajput king. He called him a "traitor" for allegedly bringing Babur, the founder of the Mughal dynasty, to defeat Ibrahim Lodi.
On March 26, violence erupted outside the residence of SP MP Suman in Agra. Unidentified individuals resorted to pelting stones, breaking window panes and vandalising vehicles parked outside.