Ramji Lal Suman: Indian Muslims Reject Babur as Leader, Defends 'Traitor' Label for Rana Sanga
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Synopsis
Ramji Lal Suman, a senior Samajwadi Party leader, stands by his controversial remark calling Rana Sanga a traitor, asserting that Indian Muslims do not regard Babur as their leader. He emphasizes historical facts from Baburnama and critiques the BJP's narrative about the lineage of Indian Muslims.
Key Takeaways
- Ramji Lal Suman defends his remarks about Rana Sanga.
- He asserts Indian Muslims do not view Babur as their leader.
- Comments based on Baburnama’s historical accounts.
- Criticism from BJP and political rivals ensues.
- Emphasizes unity among different communities in India.
Agra, March 22 (NationPress) Senior Samajwadi Party leader and Rajya Sabha member, Ramji Lal Suman, on Saturday defended his remarks labeling 16th-century Rajput king Rana Sanga a 'traitor', asserting that his statement was founded on historical facts recorded in the Baburnama, the memoir of Mughal emperor Babur. He emphasized that the Muslims of India do not view Babur as their leader.
His comments, made during a speech in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, have incited sharp criticism from various political factions.
Suman made the contentious assertion while responding to the BJP's frequent remarks regarding the historical lineage of Indian Muslims. Engaging in a discussion about the operations of the Home Ministry on Friday, he highlighted Rana Sanga's role in inviting Babur to India, which he claimed resulted in the establishment of Mughal rule and labeled the Rajput ruler a 'traitor'.
In an interview with IANS, Suman affirmed his statement, asserting, 'It is a historical fact. Nowadays, it has become common to claim that Indian Muslims have the DNA of Babur. But the truth is that the Muslims of India do not consider Babur as their leader. Babur did not come with religion; he came with a sword. The ideals of Indian Muslims are rooted in the tradition of Sufi saints.'
He added, 'I pointed out in Rajya Sabha that it is easy to call Babur a foreign invader, but who invited him? Historical records, including Baburnama, state that Rana Sanga invited Babur to fight against Ibrahim Lodi. Later, of course, the situation changed, and Rana Sanga himself fought against Babur at the Battle of Khanwa.'
Disregarding the backlash from Opposition parties, Suman stated: 'I do not care whether people like it or not. I only stated the truth. The most important issue I raised was how the BJP is destroying the Ganga-Jamuni culture of our country.'
'There have been calls for Muslims to avoid playing Holi or to stay indoors during festivals. In my village and many others, everyone, including Muslims, celebrates Holi together. Some people are repeatedly telling others to leave the country, but this country belongs to everyone --Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians alike.'
During his address in the Rajya Sabha, Suman stated: 'Indian Muslims do not consider Babur their ideal. But who brought Babur to India? It was Rana Sanga who invited him to defeat Ibrahim Lodi. If you claim Muslims are descendants of Babur, then you must also acknowledge that you are descendants of Rana Sanga, a traitor. We criticize Babur, but not Rana Sanga.'
His remarks have triggered strong reactions, with the BJP labeling them a 'shameful act' and demanding an apology from the Samajwadi Party.
