How BJP’s New Rajasthan In-Charge Radha Mohan Das Agrawal Stirs Controversy with Bold Remarks
Radha Mohan Das Agrawal, the newly appointed in-charge of BJP’s Rajasthan unit, has found himself at the center of a political storm just weeks after taking on the role. Since his appointment in July, the Rajya Sabha MP has made headlines for his candid and controversial statements, which have sparked tension not only within his party but also among the opposition.
Agrawal’s tenure as Rajasthan in-charge began on a rocky note with his remarks during a state-level workshop on August 20, aimed at boosting the party’s membership drive. In this address, Agrawal singled out senior BJP leader and seven-term MLA Rajendra Rathore, questioning his absence from the meeting. “Where has Rajendra Rathore ji gone? I keep an eye on everyone, and his attendance is marked as well,” Agrawal quipped. Rathore, who left the meeting early due to prior commitments, reportedly felt slighted by the comment. This incident further fueled discontent among Rathore’s supporters, who had already been unhappy about Rathore being passed over for a Rajya Sabha nomination.
The fallout was immediate, with Rathore’s supporters and Rajput groups launching a campaign demanding an apology from Agrawal. The Shri Rajput Karni Sena, a prominent Rajput organization, called for Agrawal’s removal from his post, reflecting the anger within the community.
Adding to the controversy, Agrawal made remarks about former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje’s absence from the same event. He commented on her health, stating, “I saw for myself that she seemed unusual and weak,” a statement that many saw as insensitive. Although Agrawal later praised Raje, his earlier comments had already struck a discordant note.
Agrawal’s boldness didn’t stop there. In another instance, he made a comment about BJP leader Bhajan Lal Sharma that went viral. He advised party members not to humiliate Sharma, comparing him to Shurpanakha, a character from the Ramayana known for having her nose cut off. This remark, though unclear in its context, led to further speculation about the future of the party’s leadership in the state.
Agrawal’s approach has also clashed with other senior leaders. He and Rathore publicly disagreed on the issue of engaging with the Bharat Adivasi Party, a fledgling political group. While Agrawal hinted at a possible alliance, Rathore firmly denied any such plans, highlighting a rift within the party’s strategy.
His remarks on the opposition, particularly targeting Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot, have also escalated tensions. Agrawal referred to Pilot as a “spent force” and claimed that only the “political last rites” of Gehlot remained. These comments provoked a strong reaction from Congress workers, leading to protests and even an incident where Agrawal’s car was attacked with ink by Pilot’s supporters.
Despite his controversial start, Agrawal’s supporters argue that his straightforward approach could be an asset in galvanizing the party base ahead of the upcoming elections. However, his critics warn that his divisive comments could alienate key segments of the electorate and create friction within the party.
Agrawal, who has a background in medicine and deep roots in the RSS, made his political debut in 2002 and has since built a reputation as a determined and outspoken leader. As he navigates the complex political landscape of Rajasthan, it remains to be seen whether his bold style will strengthen the BJP’s position or lead to further internal discord.