Karni Sena

{{Hinduism}}
{{cquote|You see, this is a matter concerning our honour, we can’t let anyone besmirch our honour.|||Vijendra Singh Kalyanvat, Karni Sena spokesperson<ref name="2017-Padmavati-AJ">[https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2017/11/16/bollywood-film-padmavati-faces-protests-from-karni-sena Bollywood film Padmavati faces protests from Karni Sena] by  Zeenat Saberin, Al Jazeera (16 November 2017)</ref>}}

'''Karni Sena''' (formally known as ''Shri Rajput Karni Sena'') is a [[right-wing]] [[Hindu]] [[caste]]-based organization dedicated to protecting the honor of {{wpl|Rajput|Rajputs}} (a so-called warrior caste, or Kshatriya) in the society. It was formed in 2006 in Jhotwara, Jaipur, Rajasthan by Lokendra Singh Kalvi. It is named after {{wpl|Karni Mata||,}} a Hindu goddess.<ref name="2023-Karna-FE">[https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/what-is-karni-sena-influential-rajasthan-sect-whose-chief-was-shot-dead-in-jaipur-bkg/3329007/ What is Karni Sena, influential Rajasthan sect whose chief was shot dead in Jaipur?] by Annu Mandal, Financial Express (05 December 2023)</ref> Since then, they have broken off into several factions and splinter groups. They are best known for protesting {{wpl|Bollywood}} movies that they claim are responsible for maligning the Rajput honor.

==Splinter groups and notable figures==
{{cquote|There are many fake Karni Senas emerging in [[India]]. At present there are eight such entities operating in the country with vested interests.|||Lokendra Singh Kalvi, founder of Karni Sena<ref name="2018-Fake-FE">[https://www.financialexpress.com/life/entertainment-padmaavat-karni-sena-denies-withdrawing-protests-from-sanjay-leela-bhansali-film-says-many-fake-organisations-emerging-in-india-1049526/ Padmaavat: Karni Sena denies withdrawing protests from Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, says many fake organisations emerging in India], Financial Express (03 February 2018)</ref>}}

After its inception in 2006, the group has split into multiple factions. In 2010, the group split into two due to differences between leaders Ajit Mamdoli and Lokendra Kalvi.<ref name="2023-Gogamedi-HT"/> In 2012, Kalvi expelled senior member Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi.<ref name="2023-Gogamedi-HT"/> In 2015, Gogamedi formed the splinter group Shri Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena (SRRKS).<ref name="2023-Gogamedi-HT"/>

On 05 December 2023, Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi, aged 53, was shot dead in Jaipur by unknown assassins at his home. Naveen Shekhawat, a neighbor, was also killed and was allegedly with the assassins initially, according to the [[police]]. Gogamedi's security guard was also injured by a bullet.<ref name="2023-Gogamedi-HT">[https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/slain-karni-sena-chief-came-under-spotlight-by-slapping-filmmaker-bhansali-101701858690260.html Slain Karni Sena chief came under spotlight by slapping filmmaker Bhansali], Hindustan Times (06 December 2023)</ref><ref name="2023-Dead-HT">[https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rajput-karni-sena-leader-shot-dead-in-jaipur-protests-erupt-101701801680496.html Rajput Karni Sena leader shot dead in Jaipur, protests erupt], Hindustan Times (06 December 2023)</ref> A man identifying as a member of Lawrence Bishnoi's gang took responsibility for the murder later on social media. Members of the Karni Sena resorted to stone-pelting and arson, demanding that the assassins be killed within 48 hours.<ref name="2023-Dead-HT"/><ref name="2023-Cremated-HT">[https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/slain-karni-sena-chief-gogamedi-to-be-cremated-on-thursday-rajasthan-police-sit-to-probe-killing-top-updates-101701882494760.html Slain Karni Sena chief Gogamedi to be cremated today; Rajasthan Police SIT to probe killing. Top updates], Hindustan Times (06 December 2023)</ref>

==Protests against movies==
===''Jodhaa Akbar'' (2008)===
In January 2008, Karni Sena began a protest against the movie {{wpl|Jodhaa Akbar|''Jodhaa Akbar''|.}} They claimed that Jodhabai was the wife of Jehangir, not his father Akbar. But, the film showed Jodhabai marrying Akbar. Irfan Habib, a professor at the Aligarh Muslim University, pointed out that Akbar had married a daughter of king {{wpl|Bharmal||,}} but she was not called Jodhabai. He stated that there is little historical evidence that a princess named Jodha even existed and that she was most likely fabricated by tourist guides at Fatehpur Sikri in the 19<big>th</big> century.<ref name="2008-Jodha">[https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/rajput-war-over-jodhaa/cid/615358 Rajput war over Jodhaa], ''The Telegraph'' (India) (31 January 2008)</ref>

===''Padmaavat'' (2017-2018)===
{{cquote|Rajputs never raise a hand on women but if need be, we will do to {{wpl|Deepika Padukone|Deepika}} what {{wpl|Lakshman}} did to {{wpl|Shurpanakha||.}}|||Mahipal Singh Makrana, a member of Shri Rajput Karni Sena<ref name="2018-Nose-OI">[https://www.outlookindia.com/national/padmavati-row-karni-sena-member-threatens-to-chop-off-deepika-padukones-nose-news-304434 Padmavati Row: Karni Sena Member Threatens To Chop Off Deepika Padukone's Nose], Outlook India (16 November 2017)</ref>}}

On 27 January 2017, members of Karni Sena vandalized the set of  a Bollywood movie {{wpl|Padmaavat}} (initially marketed as Padmavati) and attacked director {{wpl|Sanjay Leela Bansali}} at {{wpl|Jaigarh fort||.}} The members of the groups had carried out the attack based on a rumor that the movie contains an explicit dream sequence between the Hindu Rajput queen {{wpl|Rani Padmini}} (also known as Padmaavat) and the [[Muslim]] Sultan of Delhi {{wpl|Alauddin Khalji||.}} Although, Khalji was a historical figure, there are doubts regarding the historical authenticity of Rani Padmini.<ref name="Set-HT>[https://www.financialexpress.com/life/entertainment-attack-on-sanjay-leela-bhansali-by-karni-sena-during-padmavati-shoot-not-acceptable-525249/ Sanjay Leela Bhansali attacked, set vandalised during Padmavati shoot in Jaipur], ''Hindustan Times'' (27 January 2017)</ref><ref name="Padmavati-BBC-2018">[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-42048512 Padmaavat: Why a Bollywood epic has sparked fierce protests], BBC News (25 January 2018)</ref> On 15 March 2017, another set of the movie was attacked at Panhala fort near Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Several costumes were reduced to ashes using Molotov cocktails.<ref name="2017-Costumes-Tele">[https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/molotov-attack-on-padmavati-costumes/cid/1498584 Molotov attack on Padmavati  costumes], ''The Telegraph'' (India) (26 January 2018)</ref> On 28 January 2017, Kalvi accused Bansali of distorting facts and claimed that [[Germany]] does not allow movies [[Hitler]] from being made.<ref name="Hitler-FE">[https://www.financialexpress.com/life/entertainment-can-sanjay-leela-bhansali-make-a-film-against-hitler-in-germany-questions-rajput-karni-sena-founder-lokendra-singh-kalvi-525961/ Can Sanjay Leela Bhansali make a film against Hitler in Germany, questions Rajput Karni Sena founder Lokendra Singh Kalvi], Financial Express (28 January 2017)</ref>  

On 10 November 2017, the Supreme Court of India rejected a petition seeking a stay on the release of the movie.<ref name="2017-SC">[https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/supreme-court-rejects-petition-filed-against-release-of-padmavati-news-304150 Supreme Court Rejects Petition Filed Against Release Of 'Padmavati'], Outlook India (10 November 2017)</ref> Also in November 2017, Mahipal Singh Makrana, a Shri Rajput Karni Sena member, threatened to chop {{wpl|Deepika Padukone}}'s nose, like the mythical hero Lakshman did to the [[demon]]ess Shurpanakha in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Deepika Padukone played the titular character in the film.<ref name="2018-Nose-OI"/> Mumbai police had to beef up her security after this threat.<ref name="BeefSecurity">[https://www.outlookindia.com/society/padmavati-citing-surpanakha-episode-karni-sena-threatens-deepika-cops-beef-up-he-news-304458 Padmavati: Citing 'Surpanakha' Episode, Karni Sena Threatens Deepika, Cops Beef Up Her Security], Outlook India (17 November 2017)</ref>

On 15 January 2018, members of Karni Sena performed acts of vandalism in a school in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh. This was in response to a performance of the song "Ghoomar" from the movie Padmaavat, which was performed by children on the school's the annual festival.<ref name="Ghoomar">[https://www.news18.com/news/india/mob-barges-into-school-disrupts-dance-performance-on-ghoomar-song-1633051.html Children Perform to 'Padmaavat' Song, Karni Sena Vandalises MP School, Disrupts Event], ''News18'' (16 January 2018)</ref><ref name="2018-Ratlam">[https://www.outlookindia.com/national/karni-sena-members-vandalise-madhya-pradesh-school-after-students-perform-padmaa-news-306916 Karni Sena Members Vandalise Madhya Pradesh School After Students Dance To 'Padmaavat' Song], ''Outlook India'' (16 January 2024)</ref> By 16 January 2018, the state governments of four states&nbsp;— Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, had banned the movie.<ref name="2018-Haryana">[https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/haryana-becomes-fourth-state-to-ban-the-release-of-padmaavat-news-306944 Haryana Becomes Fourth State To Ban The Release Of Padmaavat], Outlook India (16 January 2018)</ref>

On 20 January 2018, Kalvi sent a letter to the production company demanding that a special screening be arranged for a 6-person panel. The panel was composed of historians R. S. Khangarot, B. L. Gupta, Kapil Kumar and Roshan Sharma. The panel also included  Vishwaraj Singh, a member of the Mewar royal family, and Jagmal Singh, a member of the Banswara royal family.<ref name="2018-Panel-HT">[https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/historians-royals-on-karni-sena-panel-for-padmaavat-fringe-groups-demand-ordinance-to-ban-the-film/story-5IYXd13a27CzkKmQfSAQ7L.html Historians, Royals on Karni Sena panel for Padmaavat; fringe groups demand ordinance to ban the film], Hindustan Times (23 January 2018)</ref>

On 18 January 2018, despite demands for the movie to be banned nation-wide and some state governments already having banned the movie, the Supreme Court of India ordered its release. The court noted that the {{wpl|Central Board of Film Certification}} (CBFC) had already approved its release after suitable modifications. The state of Gujarat saw a slew of vandalism and arson after the verdict. Karna Sena and another Hindu right-wing group, Mahakaal Sena, set several buses on fire and vandalized a movie theater. In fear of further violence, movie theaters in Gujarat decided to not screen the movie.<ref name="Padmavati2-BBC-2018">[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-42771328 Padmavat: Violence after India top court lifts ban on film], BBC News (22 January 2018)</ref> Violence was also reported from the city of Gurugram,<ref name="2018-Gurugram-HT">[https://www.hindustantimes.com/gurgaon/gurgaon-karni-sena-grounds-city-traffic-seeks-ban-on-padmaavat-screening/story-INDS5kNmmuG3pOtT47CLcN.html Gurgaon: Karni Sena grounds city traffic, seeks ban on Padmaavat screening], Hindustan Times (21 January 2018)</ref> and Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan states.<ref name="2018-Protests-HT">[https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/padmaavat-protests-karni-sena-must-be-punished-and-banned/story-sLPbFKF75C3x3nmkkwFw3L.html Padmaavat protests: Karni Sena must be punished and banned], Hindustan Times (25 January 2018)</ref> Immediate after the verdict, members committed vandalism at a movie theater in Muzaffarpur, Bihar.<ref name="Muzaffarpur">[https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/here-is-what-karni-sena-did-in-bihar-cinema-hall-after-sc-lifted-padmaavat-ban/1020649/ Here is what Karni Sena did in Bihar cinema hall after SC lifted Padmaavat ban], Financial Express (18 January 2018)</ref> On 20 January 2018, protestors threatened to burn down theaters in Ambala if the movie was screened there.<ref name="Ambala">[https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/padmaavat-row-now-karni-sena-threatens-multiplex-owners-announces-bharat-bandh-on-january-25/1023049/ Padmaavat row: Now, Karni Sena threatens multiplex owners, announces Bharat Bandh on January 25], Financial Express (20 January 2018)</ref>

On 24 January 2018, a group of protestors attacked a school bus in Gurugram with stones. A video of children cowering in fear went viral on the internet.<ref name="SchoolBus-Print>[https://theprint.in/opinion/karni-sena-schoolbus-modi-padmaavat/31473/ PM Modi must speak up against Karni Sena’s cowardly attack on a school bus filled with kids] by Kanchan Gupta, The Print (25 January 2018)</ref><ref name="Brave-Story">[https://storypick.com/goons-attack-school-bus-padmaavat/ Brave Karni Sena Attacked A School Bus With Kids And Women To Protect ‘Rajput’ Pride] by Susri Sahu, StoryPick (25 January 2018)</ref><ref name="Zee-Video">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l5AddbgHv4 Karni Sena attack school bus while protesting against 'Padmaavat'], Zee Business (Hindi) (24 January 2018)</ref> Karni Sena leader Kalvi later said that those attackers were not associated with his organization.<ref name="Children-FE">[https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/we-can-never-attack-innocent-kids-says-karni-sena-chief-lokendra-kalvi/1030704/ We can never attack innocent kids, says Karni Sena Chief Lokendra Kalvi], Financial Express (26 January 2018)</ref>

On 24 January 2018, Kalvi stated that they would stop the release of the movie at any cost. He also stated that the director was responsible for the then ongoing violence and any violence that followed. Police had to be deployed at the historical {{wpl|Chittorgarh}} fort as some women protestors had vowed to commit {{wpl|jauhar}} (self-immolation).<ref name="2018-Wont-HT">[https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ahead-of-padmaavat-release-karni-sena-defiant-blames-bhansali-for-violence/story-xq6uRZgnFvI8Xkt54eWNfL.html Day before Padmaavat release, Karni Sena says won’t allow film screening, come what may], ''Hindustan Times'' (24 January 2018)</ref> 27 women of the Rajput Karni Sena wrote to the President of India seeking to commit self-immolation should the movie be allowed to be released.<ref name="2018-Women-OI">[https://www.outlookindia.com/society/padmaavat-row-rajput-women-seek-presidents-permission-to-end-lives-news-307328 Padmaavat Row: Rajput Women Seek President's Permission To End Lives], ''Outlook India'' (24 January 2018)</ref>

The movie was released on 25 January 2018. Initial viewers were left confused upon seeing the movie, as they were unsure about the cause for the controversy. The movie did not contain dream sequence. Rajput viewers approved the movie and said that it suitably glorifies their caste.<ref name="2018-Fuss">[https://www.outlookindia.com/national/padmaavat-whats-the-fuss-about-viewers-wonder-after-watching-bhansalis-film-news-307367 Padmaavat: What’s The Fuss About? Viewers Wonder After Watching Bhansali’s Film], Outlook India (25 January 2018)</ref> The CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi was scheduled to attend Jaipur Literature Festival on 25 January 2018.<ref name="JaipurFest">[https://www.outlookindia.com/national/prasoon-joshi-will-not-be-allowed-to-enter-rajasthan-karni-sena-news-307094 Prasoon Joshi Will Not Be Allowed To Enter Rajasthan: Karni Sena], Outlook India (19 January 2018)</ref>. However due to threats from Karni Sena, he decided not to risk it.<ref name="PrasoonSkips">[https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/prasoon-joshi-to-skip-jaipur-lit-fest-says-he-does-not-want-it-troubled-by-nbsp-padmaavat-row-nbsp/cid/1333830 Prasoon Joshi to skip Jaipur lit fest, says he does not want it troubled by  Padmaavat  row], The Telegraph (India) (27 January 2018)</ref>   

Some schools in Gurugram decided to remain closed till 28 January 2018 in apprehension of the protests.<ref name="2018-Gurugram">[https://www.outlookindia.com/national/padmaavat-row-some-reputed-gurgaon-schools-to-stay-shut-till-sunday-news-307346 'Padmaavat' Row: After Karni Sena Rampage, Top Gurgaon Schools to Remain Closed Till Sunday], ''Outlook India'' (25 January 2018)</ref> On 25 January 2018, Union Minister {{wpl|V. K. Singh}} came out in support of the protests.<ref name="2018-VKSingh">[https://www.outlookindia.com/national/minister-vk-singh-defends-protests-against-padmavat-film-says-protest-inevitable-news-307336 Minister VK Singh Defends Protests Against 'Padmavat' Film, Says Protest Inevitable If Anything Done Without Consensus], ''Outlook India'' (25 January 2018)</ref> On 28 January 2018, Union Minister Giriraj Singh also came out in support of the protests.<ref name="2018-Giriraj">[https://www.outlookindia.com/national/can-anyone-dare-to-make-film-on-prophet-mohammed-union-minister-giriraj-singh-as-news-307481 Can Anyone Dare To Make Film On Prophet Mohammed?: Union Minister Giriraj Singh Asks 'Padmavat' Director Bhansali], Outlook India (18 January 2018)</ref> On 25 January 2025, a group of Shri Rajput Karna Sena attacked a theater in Biharsharif, near Patna, Bihar for screening the movie. The theater pulled the movie.<ref name="2018-Bihar-TT">[https://www.telegraphindia.com/bihar/state-bows-to-fringe-terror/cid/1383984 State bows to fringe terror], ''The Telegraph'' (India) (26 January 2018)</ref>

On 29 January, two members of the Karni Sena's proposed panel, R. S. Khangarot and B. L. Gupta, watched the movie in Bengaluru and stated that the movie is unlikely to hurt anyone's sentiments.<ref name="2024-Sentiments-HT">[https://www.outlookindia.com/national/nobodys-sentiments-hurt-2-out-of-4-historians-in-karni-sena-panel-clear-padmaava-news-307575 'Nobody's Sentiments Hurt,' 2 Out Of 4 Historians In Karni Sena Panel Clear Padmaavat], Outlook India (30 January 2018)</ref>

On 02 February 2018, a few members of the Shri Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena watched the movie. Later, the Mumbai leader of the faction, Yogendra Singh Katar said that they found that the movie suitably glories Rajputs and withdrew their protest.<ref name="2018-Valour-HT">[https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/karni-sena-accepts-padmaavat-glorifies-rajput-valour-withdraws-protest/story-VLZyZEmpcIfQbIa2tEczPO.html Karni Sena accepts Padmaavat glorifies Rajput valour, withdraws protest], Hindustan Times (03 February 2018)</ref> Soon afterwards, Gogamedi expelled those members and said that the protests will continue.<ref name="2018-Expelled-HT">[https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/karni-sena-expels-members-who-announced-withdrawal-of-protests-against-padmaavat/story-JTGPmoSvN3QU8H2QqS6sEM.html Karni Sena expels members who announced withdrawal of protests against Padmaavat], ''Hindustan Times'' (03 February 2018)</ref> In [[Malaysia]], the film [[censorship]] board denied the movie a release after observing the violence in India.<ref name="2018-Malaysia">[https://www.outlookindia.com/making-a-difference/malaysia-bans-screening-of-padmaavat-film-news-307528 Malaysia Bans Screening Of 'Padmaavat' Film], Outlook India (29 January 2018)</ref>

===''Manikarnika'' (2019)===
In January 2019, alleged members of Karni Sena protested against the movie {{wpl|Manikarnika|''Manikarnika''}} outside the producer's office, based on [[hearsay]] that in the movie ''Rani Laximbai of Jhansi'', a Hindu queen, was shown dancing and having a relationship of the wrong sort with a [[British]] [[Colonialism|colonizer]].<ref name="2019-Manikarnika-HT">[https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/7-karni-sena-members-externed-in-mumbai-for-protesting-outside-manikarnika-producer-s-office/story-rKoS6xKpWoOS4ir39qnDzN_amp.html 7 Karni Sena members externed from Mumbai for protesting outside Manikarnika producer’s office], Hindustan Times (22 January 2019)</ref> Soon afterwards, Shri Rajput Karni Sena issued a statement that they were not protesting against the movie as it was not related to the Rajputs, claiming that protestors were not their members.<ref name="2019-WeAreNot-HT">[https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/we-are-not-opposing-manikarnika-people-misusing-outfit-s-name-says-shri-rajput-karni-sena/story-t99vRYk81fiXDzLInXfWOO.html Hindustan Times], Hindustan Times (20 January 2019)</ref>

===''Prithviraj'' (2022)===
Initially marketed as ''Prithviraj'', the name was changed to ''Samrat Prithviraj'' under pressure from Shree Rajput Karni Sena.<ref name="2022-Samrat">[https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/cbfc-passes-samrat-prithviraj-with-a-u-a-certificate-news-199306 CBFC Passes 'Samrat Prithviraj' With A U/A Certificate], ''Outlook India'' (30 May 2022)</ref><ref name="YashRaj">[https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/akshay-kumar-starrer-prithviraj-retitled-as-samrat-prithviraj--news-198889 Akshay Kumar Starrer 'Prithviraj' Retitled As 'Samrat Prithviraj'], ''Outlook India'' (27 May 2022)</ref> The movie was released on 10 June 2022.<ref name="2022-Prithviraj-OI">[https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/akshay-kumar-and-manushi-chhillar-starrer-prithviraj-gets-a-release-date-news-122065 Akshay Kumar and Manushi Chhillar-Starrer 'Prithviraj' Gets A Release Date], Outlook India (10 February 2022)</ref>

==Protests against public figures==

===Parshottam Rupala (2024)===
On 22 March 2024, [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) MP Parshottam Rupala at a Dalit gathering said, "Maharajas had given their daughters to foreign rulers and the British and broke bread with them while us Dalits neither gave up our religion nor made any relations with them, we are the true inheritors of Sanatan dharma." This statement [[trigger]]ed the Kshatriyas, especially the Rajputs.<ref name="2024-Rupala-HT">[https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bjps-parshottam-rupala-who-angered-the-kshatriya-community-apologises-again-101715186001600.html BJP’s Parshottam Rupala, who angered the Kshatriya community, apologises again], ''Hindustan Times'' (08 May 2024)</ref> Despite Rupala apologizing for his statement, the protests continued. They demanded that Rupala be removed from as a Lok Sabha candidate. Raj Shekhawat, a Karna Sena leader, resigned from BJP.<ref name="2024-Rupala-IndiaToday">[https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/gujarat-bjp-rajput-community-protests-parshottam-rupala-rajkot-lok-sabha-polls-2522695-2024-04-03 Why BJP is facing Rajput anger in Gujarat over Parshottam Rupala's remarks], India Today (03 April 2024)</ref> On 06 April 2024, 5 women threatened to self-immolate in protest outside the BJP headquarter in Gandhinagar. But they were stopped and put under house arrest. On 09 April 2024, Raj Shekhawat was detained at the Ambedabad airport. He was planning to protest outside the BJP headquarters against Rupala's statement.<ref name="2024-GujaratBJP-HT">[https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/karni-sena-s-raj-shekhawat-detained-ahead-of-protest-outside-gujarat-bjp-office-101712658898831.html Karni Sena’s Raj Shekhawat detained ahead of protest outside Gujarat BJP office], ''Hindustan Times'' (09 April 2024)</ref><ref name="2024-Rupala-OI">[https://www.outlookindia.com/national/police-detain-karni-sena-leader-ahead-of-his-protest-at-gujarat-bjp-hq-against-rupalas-remarks Police Detain Karni Sena Leader Ahead Of His Protest At Gujarat BJP HQ Against Rupala's Remarks], Outlook India (09 April 2024)</ref> Rupala later apologized again.<ref name="2024-Rupala-HT"/><ref name="2024-Rupala-ET">[https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/lok-sabha/india/rupala-once-again-apologises-for-remark-about-kshatriya-community/articleshow/109954119.cms?from=mdr Rupala once again apologises for remark about Kshatriya community], ''The Economics Times'' (08 May 2024)</ref> However in June 2024, he was dropped from the Cabinet.<ref name="2024-Cabinet">[https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Jun/10/after-being-hit-by-controversy-during-poll-campaign-bjps-parshottam-rupala-dropped-from-union-cabinet After being hit by controversy during poll campaign, BJP's Parshottam Rupala dropped from Union Cabinet], The New Indian Express (10 June 2024)</ref>

===Ramji Lal Suman (2025)===
On 21 March 2021, Rajya Sabha MP {{wpl|Ramji Lal Suman}} ({{wpl|Samajwadi Party|SP}}) stated in the Parliament that since Indian Muslims, who are considered the descendents of {{wpl|Babur||,}} are called traitors, the descendants of Rajput king {{wpl|Rana Sanga||,}} should also be considered traitors, as he had allegedly invited Babur to India to aid him against {{wpl|Ibrahim Lodi||.}} This statement enraged Karni Sena and other Kshatriya-caste groups. The President of the Uttar Pradesh wing of Karna Sena, Sandeep Sena, demanded an apology from Ramji Lal Suman. Ramji Lal Suman was forced to approached the Allahabad High Court for protection after received threats of violence from Karna Sena and other similar groups.<ref name="2025-RanaSanga-HT">[https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/karni-sena-waving-swords-asks-mp-to-apologise-for-rana-sanga-remarks-at-big-meet-in-agra-101744466208579.html Karni Sena, waving swords, asks MP to apologise for Rana Sanga remarks at big meet in Agra], Hindustan Times (12 April 2025)</ref><ref name="2025-Sanga-HT2">[https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/rana-sanga-remark-backlash-sp-mp-suman-moves-allahabad-hc-seeks-security-101744387762442.html Rana Sanga remark backlash: SP MP Suman moves Allahabad HC, seeks security], Hindustan Times (11 April 2025)</ref>

On 27 March 2025, member of Karni Sena tried to enter Ramji Lal Suman's house in Agra using a bulldozer, failing which they resorted to vandalism by destroying furniture kept outdoors and cars parked nearby. Several police personnel were injured as they tried to suppress the violence. The attackers were repelled by using a ''lathi'' charge (baton charge).<ref name="2025-RanaSanga-HT2">[https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/karni-sena-people-resort-to-vandalism-outside-sp-mp-s-agra-residence-101743014273045.html Karni Sena people resort to vandalism outside SP MP’s Agra residence], Hindustan Times (27 March 2025)</ref> Karni Sena leader Okendra Singh Rana was charged with rioting, attempt to murder, and trespassing among other charges.<ref name="2025-FIRSanga-HT>[https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/firs-against-karni-sena-leader-others-after-attack-on-sp-mp-s-agra-house-101743099974991.html FIRs against Karni Sena leader, others after attack on SP MP’s Agra house], Hindustan Times (28 March 2025)</ref> Also in March, Mohah Chauhan, a Karni Sena leader, announced a reward of INR 25,00,000 (about USD 28465) for killing Ramji Lal Suman.<ref name="2025-Reward-HT">[https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rana-sanga-row-karni-sena-leader-booked-for-announcing-rs-25-lakh-reward-for-killing-sp-mp-101744292490757.html Rana Sanga row: Karni Sena leader booked for announcing ₹25 lakh reward for killing SP MP], Hindustan Times (10 April 2025)</ref>

==Other activities and incidents==
 
===In-fighting===
On 13 August 2023, a disgruntled former member tried to shoot the Shri Rajput Karni Sena state president Bhanwar Singh Saladiya during a meeting in Udaipur.<ref name="2023-Udaipur-HT">[https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/indore-news/shri-rajput-karni-sena-leader-shot-at-during-party-meeting-in-udaipur-shooter-arrested-immediately-police-101691922978915.html Shri Rajput Karni Sena president shot at by former district chief in Udaipur], Hindustan Times (13 August 2023)</ref> On 12 July 2024, members of Shri Rajput Karni Sena and Rashtriya Karni Sena clashed, with gunfire being exchanged, in Jaipur. Mahipal Singh Makrana, a Shri Rajput Karni Sena leader, suffered non-firearm related injuries.<ref name="2024-Factions-HT">[https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/karni-sena-leader-mahipal-makrana-injured-as-dispute-between-rival-factions-turns-violent-101720829276236.html Karni Sena leader Mahipal Makrana injured as dispute between rival factions turns violent], Hindustan Times (13 July 2024)</ref><ref name="2024-Makrana-OI">[https://www.outlookindia.com/national/karni-senas-makrana-injured-as-dispute-between-rival-factions-turns-violent-in-jaipurs-chitrakootv Karni Sena’s Makrana Injured As Dispute Between Rival Factions Turns Violent In Jaipur’s Chitrakoot], Outlook India (13 July 2024)</ref>

===Crashing rap concerts===
On 18 March 2023, members of Karni Sena stopped a concert of [[rap]]per {{wpl|MC Stan}} in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. They claimed that the rapper was using obscenity among young people.<ref name="2023-MCStan-OI">[https://www.outlookindia.com/national/mp-karni-sena-disrupts-rapper-mc-stan-s-indore-show-over-foul-language--news-271232 MP: Karni Sena Disrupts Rapper MC Stan's Indore Show Over `Foul Language'], Outlook India (18 March 2023)</ref>

===Interfering in interfaith marriages===
On 29 July 2021, members of Karni Sena prevented the inter-faith marriage of a 23-year-old Muslim man and a 18- or 19-year-old Dalit Hindu woman in Balia, Uttar Pradesh. The woman could be heard claiming in a video of the incident that she was willingly marrying the man. However, the members of Karni Sena claimed that it was a case of [[love jihad]].<ref name="2021-Interfaith-HT">[https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/upman-detained-after-karni-sena-stops-interfaith-marriage-101627584357409.html UP man detained after Karni Sena stops interfaith marriage], ''Hindustan Times'' (30 July 2021)</ref><ref name="2021-LoveJihad">[https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/karni-sena-workers-stop-interfaith-marriage-in-up-allege-love-jihad-2497870 Karni Sena Workers Stop Interfaith Marriage In UP, Allege "Love Jihad"], NDTV (29 July 2021)</ref>

===Offering cash for custodial murder===
On 27 October 2024, the President of Kshatriya Karni Sena, Raj Shekhawat, offered at INR 1,11,11,111 (about USD 126,471) to any police official or inmate to kill the [[gang]] leader {{wpl|Lawrence Bishnoi||.}} The former member of Karni Sena Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi had been shot dead by unknown assasins on 05 December 2023 in Jaipur, Rajasthan. An alleged member of Lawrence Bishnoi's gang had taken responsibility for the murder later.<ref name="2024-Lawrence-HT">[https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kill-lawrence-bishnoi-and-get-1-11-11-111-karni-senas-fresh-cash-offer-for-101730177131876.html ‘Kill Lawrence Bishnoi and get ₹1,11,11,111’: Karni Sena's fresh cash offer for…], Hindustan Times (29 October 2024)</ref>

==See also==
* [[Hindutva]]
* [[Love Jihad]]
* [[Caste]]

==References==
{{reflist|2|80%}}

[[Category:Censorship]]
[[Category:Films]]
[[Category:Fundamentalism]]
[[Category:Hindu nationalism]]
[[Category:India]]

Categories: Censorship, Films, Fundamentalism, Hindu nationalism, India