Ajmer: A controversy involving former BJP MP Sukhbir Singh Jaunapuria has sparked widespread political outrage in Rajasthan, just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Ajmer. The incident, captured on video and shared widely on social media, shows Jaunapuria asking Muslim women for their names and taking back blankets distributed to them in Kareda Buzurg village of Tonk district. The incident occurred on Sunday and has since become a major flashpoint in the state’s political landscape.

Controversy Erupts Over Alleged Discrimination

The video shows Jaunapuria, a former BJP MP, questioning Muslim women during a blanket distribution event and taking back the blankets from them. According to a village resident who was present at the event, Jaunapuria reportedly said the women ‘don’t vote for Modi.’ The resident told ANI that the former MP ‘insulted’ them to return the blankets. The same source claimed that the event organizers had instructed Muslim women to sit separately from Hindu women during the distribution.

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, civil rights organizations, and local residents. Congress and other opposition leaders have condemned the act as discriminatory and divisive. The incident has also drawn attention from national media, with several outlets highlighting the potential implications for communal harmony in Rajasthan.

Protest Demonstrates Unity Between Communities

Residents of Kareda Buzurg staged a protest on Monday, with both Hindu and Muslim communities coming together in solidarity. Protesters raised slogans against Jaunapuria and burned his effigy in the village center. The demonstration was described as a show of unity and a rejection of the alleged insult to Muslim women.

One protestor, identified as a local shopkeeper, told reporters that the incident had deeply hurt the community. ‘This was not just an insult to Muslim women, but a deliberate attempt to divide our community,’ he said. ‘We cannot allow such behavior to go unchecked.’ The sentiment echoed among many in the village, who expressed concern over the rise of divisive rhetoric in political circles.

Local officials have been urged to take action against Jaunapuria. Several political leaders have called for an investigation into the incident. The Rajasthan Congress has demanded the immediate resignation of Jaunapuria from any political positions he may hold. Meanwhile, BJP leaders have remained silent on the matter, with no official response from the party so far.

Political Implications Ahead of Modi’s Visit

The controversy has raised questions about the political climate in Rajasthan ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Ajmer on Saturday. Analysts suggest that the incident could impact the public perception of the BJP in the state, particularly in areas with significant Muslim populations. The timing of the incident—just days before Modi’s visit—has also drawn attention from political observers.

‘This incident is not just a personal matter but has broader political implications,’ said Dr. Anand Sharma, a political analyst based in Jaipur. ‘It could influence the narrative around the BJP’s commitment to communal harmony, especially in a state like Rajasthan where such issues are sensitive.’

Modi’s visit to Ajmer is expected to focus on development projects and welfare schemes. However, the controversy surrounding Jaunapuria may overshadow the event, especially if the opposition continues to highlight the incident in the media and public forums.

The Rajasthan government has yet to issue a formal statement on the matter. However, local authorities have been asked to ensure the safety of Muslim women in the region and to prevent any further incidents of discrimination. The incident has also prompted calls for stricter guidelines on the conduct of political representatives during public events.

As the political storm continues to unfold, the focus will remain on whether the BJP will take any action against Jaunapuria and how the incident will affect the upcoming political discourse in Rajasthan.