Jaipur, Oct 7 (NationPress) The escalating factional disputes within the Rajasthan Congress have taken a dramatic turn in Ajmer, where posters branding former RTDC Chairman and senior Congress figure Dharmendra Singh Rathore as a "thief" and "broker" have been plastered throughout the city.

This incident coincides with the visit of Congress Central Observer Ashok Tanwar, whose efforts to showcase party unity were overshadowed by a fierce clash between opposing factions during a city-level meeting on Sunday.

The posters featured his image along with slogans such as ‘Congress-Desh mein Vote Chor’, ‘Gaddi Chhod’, and ‘Congress Ajmer Mein Dalal Va Chore, Ajmer Chhod’. This public display of dissent coincided with Tanwar's trip to Ajmer aimed at reviewing the organizational framework and promoting party cohesion.

However, his attempts were disrupted during a City Congress Committee meeting at Hans Paradise on Sunday, where a fierce confrontation erupted between supporters of Rathore and the outgoing District President Vijay Jain.

The clash resulted in raised voices and slogan-shouting, causing the meeting to pause for nearly 15 minutes before senior leaders intervened to restore order. The derogatory posters were found in public locations, including toilets, prompting strong condemnation from Rathore’s supporters.

His camp labeled the act a malicious plot to tarnish his reputation and submitted a memorandum to the Superintendent of Police at the Collectorate, demanding a thorough investigation and stringent action against the culprits.

In response, Rathore commented, “I am currently in Dhariyawad on party work. I was unaware of these posters in Ajmer. I am trying to find out who is behind this and for what reason.”

This conflict underscores the long-standing rift between the Gehlot and Pilot factions within the Rajasthan Congress. Rathore is an ally of former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, while Jain is linked to Sachin Pilot’s camp.

During the meeting, Jain made a pointed remark at Rathore, stating, “I was given responsibility in 2016, but the organization was dissolved in 2020. Despite that, I did historic work for five years without holding a formal position.”

Jain further claimed that under his leadership, the organization performed robustly, contrasting it with Rathore’s tenure, during which only 11 out of 72 councilor seats were secured. In comparison, Jain asserted that seven out of eight candidates he endorsed achieved victories.

Meanwhile, the Rajput Hostel and Educational Institution organized a protest on Tuesday against the distribution of derogatory posters targeting Dharmendra Singh Rathore, a key figure in the Rajput community.

Members of the Rajput community gathered at the office of District Superintendent of Police Vandita Rana, where they submitted a memorandum demanding strict measures against those attempting to damage Rathore’s reputation.

According to Sumer Singh, President of the Rajput Hostel and Educational Institution, the posters labeling Rathore a “broker” and a “thief” were spotted in various locations throughout Ajmer. Some bore slogans like “Congress—brokers and thieves, leave Ajmer.”

“This act is a calculated attempt to defame a respected member of our community,” Sumer Singh stated.

“Posting such materials in public areas is not only defamatory but also has offended the sentiments of the Rajput community and associated social organizations.”

The memorandum submitted to the police called for a fair and unbiased investigation to pinpoint those behind the act.

The community has voiced strong discontent and warned that if immediate actions are not taken, it could lead to widespread protests.