Rajasthan which once was a welcoming state (Padharo mhare Desh), has now seems to become intolerant for its resident Hindus. Last few Hindu festivals have not been spared from violent Islamists wrecking hell and turning celebratory day into a cause of lifelong sorrow. Rajasthan seems to be gripped by Islamists’ violence, anarchy and mobocracy.
Jodhpur Violence, a new Bloodied chapter in violent Rajasthan Politics
The peace of Rajasthan has vanished into thin air and communal hatred has spread like wildfire. Before the earlier flames could be doused, the state has been engulfed in a new cycle of communal hatred and violence. Jodhpur city saw a black day on May 2nd when communal clashes broke out.
The violence allegedly started when few Muslim community members installed Eid flags alongside the statue of Freedom fighter Balmukund Bissa. The police did control the tensions for sometime but it soon skyrocketed into communal clashes with people resorting to stone pelting and acid bottles. Some of the rioters allegedly carried swords and hockey sticks.
Read More: Communal clashes in Gehlot’s Den
State BJP members condemned the furling of Islamic flags atop the freedom fighters’ statue. State BJP President Satish Poonia said, “Putting up Islamic flag on the statue of freedom fighter Balmukund Bissa by anti-social elements, and removing saffron flag put up on Parshuram Jayanti is condemnable”. According to latest reports, around 141 people have been arrested so far and section 144 has been imposed in the adjacent areas.
The Cycle of Violence in Rajasthan
The politics of appeasement in Rajasthan has given Hindu community scars for the lifetime. At least 6 major communal and other clashes have taken place in the state within a short span of 3.5 years of Gehlot’s government. Just a month back the state was jolted by the horrific Karauli violence. On 2nd April 2022, the Hindu Community celebrates Nav Samvatsar ( first day of New Year). In Karauli they organised a motorcycle rally for the celebrations. While it was passing through the Muslim dominated area, radical Islamists attacked it viciously and began pelting stones on the rally. The incident led to a spree of violence and arson in which many vehicles and shops were burnt or damaged.
Read More: Once the land of the brave, Rajasthan is now a living hell for Hindus
Before that on 19th July 2021, communal clashes broke out in the Jalahwad area of Rajasthan. Two groups fought on some random issue. Then the people of both communities came out and became involved in an ugly communal violence. To stop the rumours from spreading authorities stopped Internet services in the region. Around 200 accused were arrested in the case.
Read More: Rajasthan Congress’ comment on Maharana Pratap will be the last nail in its coffin
In 2021, the fate of the state was not different either. It suffered casualties when the Bara area of Rajasthan saw violence of hatred between two communities. On 11th April, the clashes broke out after the death of two youths. Police had to use tear gas to control the situation and stop from further deterioration.
In 2018, around 200 applicants sat on a protest to fill Unreserved seats and give it to the tribals. The protests started on 7th September,2020 from Kankri, Dungarpur. Later many youths from other areas of state joined the protest. On 24th September the protesting youths did clashes on the highway resulting in heavy damages to the police force. It took three days for the Police authorities to take everything under their control.
Read More: Thanks to Congress govt, Rajasthan is becoming a hub of crime, corruption and Islamists
On 8th October the Hindu festival of Dussehra was marred with violence. In the Tonk area of Rajasthan, the Dussehra procession was attacked and pelted with stones. The Hindu community had to celebrate Dussehra under the protection of heavy Police Forces.
Anti-Incumbent Vote for Ex-CM Vasundhara proved a boon for Rajasthan Congress
The 2018 Rajasthan assembly election result was a continuation of its previous track record. It has been changing the incumbent every five years. Hence, this was never a positive vote for the Congress. The party during the 2018 election had two main factions i.e. Sachin Pilot’s young camp and Ashok Gehlot’s old brigade. And earlier with many elections, it has been seen that the people of any state never entrust a confused party.
Hence the main reason for the 2018 win for Rajasthan was anti-Incumbency for then incumbent CM Vasundhara Raje and not the saffron party, BJP. Which was quite evident from the fact that a few months later, the Congress was routed from all Lok Sabha seats giving a clean sweep (25/25) to BJP.
The sorry state of affairs for Hindus and residents of Rajasthan is because of failure in following the rule of law. The Rajasthan Congress politicians for their ugly gains are letting the peace and security of the state go haywire. Hence it is foolhardy to think that the party will do away with this or stop this. The civil society, Judiciary, opposition and notable citizens should raise their voice against this evil politics for the welfare of the state.