Beniwal warns BJP's Rathore of legal action over social boycott call
Synopsis
Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal is threatening to take BJP Rajasthan chief Madan Rathore to court over a social boycott call — invoking the same constitutional bar that applies to Khap Panchayats. The move signals a sharp escalation between the RLP and the ruling BJP in Rajasthan, with Beniwal using the controversy to relitigate BJP's unfulfilled promises on paper leaks, cow deaths, and rising crime.
Key Takeaways
RLP chief Hanuman Beniwal condemned BJP Rajasthan State President Madan Rathore's call for a social boycott on 30 May , calling it unconstitutional.
Beniwal is consulting lawyers from the High Court and Supreme Court and has warned of formal legal action against Rathore.
He cited the reported deaths of nearly 500 cows in Jaisalmer to question BJP's silence on issues it once championed in opposition.
Beniwal alleged that no major 'paper leak mafia' kingpin has been arrested despite PM Modi's pre-election promise and over two and a half years of BJP rule.
The RLP holds no assembly seat but claims status as a 'third political force' in Rajasthan, continuing to mobilise around the Bhairana Dham agitation and civic issues in Kuchaman .
Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) National President and Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal on 30 May strongly condemned Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajasthan State President Madan Rathore's call for a social boycott of him, terming the remark unconstitutional and a violation of the rule of law. Beniwal said he is consulting legal experts from the High Court and Supreme Court and warned that formal legal action may be initiated against Rathore.
The Constitutional Argument
Addressing the media in Jaipur, Beniwal argued that India operates under a constitutional and legal framework under which even Khap Panchayats are barred from enforcing social boycotts. He contended that a social boycott call issued by the state president of the ruling party therefore crosses both legal and democratic boundaries. The RLP chief indicated that consulting senior advocates from the apex court and the high court is already underway, and legal proceedings against Rathore remain a live possibility.
Allegations Against BJP's Record in Rajasthan
Beniwal alleged that voters had backed the BJP out of frustration over paper leaks, rising crime, and the alleged impunity of criminal networks during the previous Indian National Congress (Congress) government — but claimed the BJP reversed course immediately after assuming office. He questioned the ruling party's silence over the reported deaths of nearly 500 cows in Jaisalmer, noting that the BJP had staged statewide protests over similar incidents when it was in opposition.
Targeting the BJP's top leadership, Beniwal recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised stern action against the 'paper leak mafia' ahead of elections. Despite the government completing more than two and a half years in power, he alleged, no major kingpin linked to such rackets has been arrested.
Bhairana Dham Agitation and Kuchaman Protest
Beniwal referred to the Bhairana Dham agitation and the planned march toward Jaipur, accusing the government of attempting to manufacture controversy around the movement — efforts he claimed had failed. He reiterated the RLP's support for saints involved in the agitation and alleged that the government is actively suppressing dissent.
On the Kuchaman protest, Beniwal said RLP workers had sought answers from Rathore on basic civic issues — roads, water, and electricity — and received none. He condemned police action against party workers and asserted that the RLP would not be intimidated by the ruling establishment.
RLP's Position in Rajasthan Politics
Beniwal acknowledged that the RLP currently holds no seat in the state assembly, but maintained that the party has established itself as a credible 'third political force' in Rajasthan. He said the party continues to raise public interest issues across the state regardless of its legislative strength. He also alleged that crime and unemployment in Rajasthan are rising while the state government remains indifferent to both.
The BJP is yet to formally respond to Beniwal's legal warning. How the ruling party reacts — and whether a court challenge materialises — will determine the next phase of this escalating political confrontation.
Point of View
By its own earlier standards, underdelivered on paper leaks, cow protection, and crime. The RLP may lack MLAs, but Beniwal's ability to force BJP onto the defensive in its own strongholds suggests the party remains a disruptive force the ruling establishment cannot simply boycott away.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Hanuman Beniwal threaten legal action against Madan Rathore?
Beniwal threatened legal action after BJP Rajasthan State President Madan Rathore issued a call for a social boycott of him. Beniwal termed the call unconstitutional, arguing that even Khap Panchayats are legally barred from enforcing social boycotts, and said he is consulting High Court and Supreme Court lawyers over the matter.
What is the Bhairana Dham agitation that Beniwal referenced?
The Bhairana Dham agitation is a movement involving saints and RLP supporters that included a planned march toward Jaipur. Beniwal accused the Rajasthan government of trying to stoke controversy around the movement and reiterated his party's support for the saints involved.
What allegations did Beniwal make against the BJP government in Rajasthan?
Beniwal alleged that the BJP, despite promising action against the paper leak mafia before elections, has failed to arrest any major kingpin in over two and a half years in power. He also alleged rising crime and unemployment, questioned the government's silence on the reported deaths of nearly 500 cows in Jaisalmer, and accused it of suppressing dissent.
What is the RLP's current political standing in Rajasthan?
The Rashtriya Loktantrik Party currently holds no seat in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly. However, Beniwal claims the party has established itself as a 'third political force' in the state and continues to mobilise on public interest issues including civic amenities and the Bhairana Dham agitation.
Is a social boycott call by a political leader illegal in India?
Indian courts have consistently held that social boycotts violate constitutional rights, and Khap Panchayats have been specifically barred from enforcing them by judicial rulings. Beniwal's legal argument rests on this precedent — that a call for social boycott by a ruling party's state chief carries the same constitutional infirmity, and potentially greater accountability given the position of power involved.
