Samajwadi party MP's remarks on Babur and Rana Sanga ignite political controversy
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Senior Samajwadi Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP, Ramji Lal Suman, has sparked controversy with his remarks on 16th-century Rajput king Rana Sanga and Mughal emperor Babur during a speech in the Rajya Sabha.
His statement, in which he referred to Rana Sanga as a "traitor" and asserted that Indian Muslims do not consider Babur their leader, has drawn sharp criticism from various political quarters.
Speaking to IANS, Suman defended his remarks, emphasising that his statement was based on historical facts recorded in Baburnama, the memoir of Babur. He argued that Muslims in India do not identify with Babur and instead draw their spiritual and cultural ideals from Sufi saints.
"Nowadays, there are claims that Indian Muslims have the DNA of Babur, but the truth is they do not consider him their leader. Babur did not come with religion; he came with a sword," he stated.
Referring to Rana Sanga's historical role in Babur's invasion of India, Mr. Suman said: "It is easy to call Babur a foreign invader, but who invited him? According to historical records, including Baburnama, Rana Sanga invited Babur to fight against Ibrahim Lodi. Later, of course, Rana Sanga turned against Babur at the Battle of Khanwa."
During his speech in the Rajya Sabha, Suman had argued that if some claim that Muslims are descendants of Babur, then those making the claim must also acknowledge their lineage from Rana Sanga, whom he controversially labeled a "traitor."
His remarks outraged the BJP, which called them "shameful" and demanded an apology from the Samajwadi Party.
Addressing the backlash, Suman dismissed criticism from the Opposition and accused the BJP of eroding India's Ganga-Jamuni culture - a reference to the historical Hindu-Muslim cultural harmony in India.
"Some people keep telling others to leave the country, but India belongs to everyone - Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians alike. In many villages, including mine, people of all religions celebrate Holi together. However, certain forces are trying to divide us," he asserted.