A massive armed rally of the Karni Sena in Agra’s Etmadpur area on Saturday sparked tensions, as hundreds of youths carrying swords and guns assembled to mark the birth anniversary of Rajput king Rana Sanga.
The event, called the “Rakt Samman Sammelan” (Blood Self-Respect Conference), drew participants from Agra, Etah, Mainpuri, Firozabad, Mathura, Kasganj, Aligarh, and surrounding districts.
The rally, held in Garhi Rami village, was organized amid tight police security, speculating violence following a controversial statement made by Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Ramjilal Suman.
Massive Armed Rally
By the morning, large crowds began pouring into the rally site on motorbikes and cars. Many attendees openly carried weapons, including swords and firearms. A massive four-foot high stage was set up on more than 20 bighas of land, which quickly filled up with supporters. Parking areas near the venue were overwhelmed, while tankers were deployed to provide drinking water, according to local media reports.
Despite police attempts to control the inflow at certain checkpoints, thousands managed to reach the venue. Drones monitored the crowd throughout the day, and shops along the highway remained shut on police orders.
Fear of Violence
The security presence was intensified after fears emerged that Karni Sena supporters might target SP MP Ramjilal Suman’s residence. The fear originated from a remark by SP leader made in Parliament on March 21, which sparked outrage among Rajput groups.
In the Rajya Sabha, Suman said:
“It has become a catchphrase of the BJP that Muslims have Babur’s DNA. Then whose DNA is there in Hindus? Who brought Babur? Babur was brought to India by Rana Sanga to defeat Ibrahim Lodi.”
The statement was seen as an affront to Rajput pride by the Karni Sena. Following this, police intelligence flagged a possible plan to attack Suman’s house using bulldozers.
Police Seize Bulldozers, Seal Area
Acting on the alerts, police seized JCB machines from Agra and nearby areas to prevent any attempt to bring them to the rally site. Security has been ramped up around the SP MP’s residence.
Nearly 1,000 police personnel and 10,000 Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) officers have been deployed. A one-kilometer perimeter around the house has been sealed. Intelligence officers in plain clothes are stationed in the area, while drones continue to monitor crowd movement.
Suman’s home has effectively been turned into a fortress.
On the other hand, organizers of the Karni Sena rally appeared undeterred by the police warnings. Since Friday, they have been inspecting the site the entire day. Youth groups have been assigned to manage logistics. Food stalls and water supplies were also arranged to support the swelling crowds.
Despite heightened security and concerns of unrest, the Karni Sena remains committed to a high-profile celebration of Rana Sanga’s legacy in Agra — signaling that tensions may not ease anytime soon.
