Rajasthan Lok Party (RLP) chief and Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal triggered a sharp political confrontation in Rajasthan on 28 May after allegedly using objectionable language against Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and state Cabinet members at a public gathering in Bhairana village. The remarks, made during a Mahapanchayat organised around the 'Remove RIICO, Save Bhairana Dham' movement, drew swift and fierce condemnation from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders across the state.

What Beniwal Said

Beniwal attended the Mahapanchayat in Bhairana village, which was convened to oppose the proposed RIICO industrial zone in Bichoon. He accused the BJP government of failing to safeguard the interests of saints and religious institutions despite its stated commitment to Sanatan values. Describing the proposed industrial zone as 'misguided', he demanded that the RIICO project be relocated and sought official recognition of Dadu Palka as a religious tourism destination. A video of his remarks, which allegedly included derogatory references to the Chief Minister, subsequently circulated widely on social media.

BJP's Counterattack

Minister of State for Home Affairs Jawahar Singh Bedham was among the first to respond, calling the language 'unacceptable' and invoking the dignity expected of a Member of Parliament. 'The kind of language being used is unacceptable. As a Member of Parliament, one is expected to maintain the dignity of the office and exercise restraint in public discourse,' Bedham said. He went further, alleging that 'people across Rajasthan are questioning whether such statements are being made under the influence of alcohol,' adding that 'such language will not be tolerated.'

BJP State President Madan Rathore termed the remarks 'unfortunate and condemnable', while acknowledging that criticism is a legitimate feature of democratic politics. He urged that public discourse must remain within the bounds of civility, and called on the media to refrain from amplifying such statements purely for sensationalism.

Chief Spokesperson Weighs In

BJP Chief Spokesperson Ramlal Sharma alleged that Beniwal's remarks reflected political opportunism and amounted to disrespect toward a constitutional office. 'These remarks showcase your family values. People of Rajasthan are well aware of the state of intoxication in which you make such remarks,' Sharma said, sharpening the BJP's rhetorical offensive against the RLP leader.

Context: The RIICO-Bhairana Dham Dispute

The flashpoint is a proposed RIICO industrial zone in Bichoon, which local groups and religious figures argue would encroach upon the sanctity of Bhairana Dham, a site of religious significance. The 'Remove RIICO, Save Bhairana Dham' movement has drawn considerable local mobilisation, and Beniwal — who has historically positioned himself as a champion of agrarian and rural Rajasthan — has aligned with the agitation. This is not the first time the RLP chief has clashed with the BJP-led state government; the two parties, once allies at the national level, have increasingly diverged on state issues since the BJP's return to power in Rajasthan in late 2023.

What Happens Next

The episode is likely to deepen the rift between the RLP and the BJP in Rajasthan ahead of upcoming local body elections. With the RIICO-Bhairana Dham dispute unresolved, Beniwal appears set to continue using the issue as a political platform, while the BJP has signalled it will hold public representatives accountable for the language they use. Whether the state government acts on the RIICO project relocation demand remains to be seen.