Step Aside Karni Sena, New ‘Defenders of Rajput Pride’ Are in Town

Can Deepika Padukone’s honour be sacrificed to protect and safeguard Rajput pride?

Karni Sena activists protest outside a theatre in Patna, Bihar. 

(Photo: PTI)

If you thought it’s just Karni Sena who are worried that Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Padmaavat’ would hurt the pride of Rajputs, think again. Meet the new ‘defenders of Rajput pride’, Kshatriya Mahasabha.

The chief of their Kanpur wing openly shamed the lead actress of the movie, Deepika Padukone.

(<i>Padmavati</i>) is a Hindu queen who is an image of a Goddess. How can a dancer and a woman who wears such skimpy clothes play her role? She (Deepika) should be ashamed.

Gajendra Singh, President, Kanpur Kshatriya Mahasabha to ANI

Gajendra Singh didn’t stop at just shaming Padukone. He promised a crowd-funding campaign to honour whoever chopped off the actress’ nose and ears.

I want her (Deepika’s) ears and nose to be chopped off. Not just me, all the Kshatriyas in Kanpur will give him crores of rupees even if we have to start a crowdfunding campaign.

Gajendra Singh, President, Kanpur Kshatriya Mahasabha to ANI

Under the garb of defending the honour of a queen who purportedly lived centuries ago, Gajendra insulted an Indian artist who is an internationally-acclaimed actress.

Congress Holds BJP Accountable

Various Rajput groups protested the release of ‘Padmaavat’ across the country. In some places, the protests were so violent that school buses, movie halls and public property were vandalised.

Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi slammed the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) for the violent protests and held the Prime Minister and BJP-led state governments accountable.

All violence has been reported in BJP-ruled states. This clearly shows that the BJP-led governments have failed to perform their duties. Neither the Prime Minister has spoken about this nor is anyone from the Centre or BJP-led state governments ready to take accountability for it.

Priyanka Chaturvedi, Spokesperson, Congress to ANI

Meanwhile, Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari urged the public to maintain calm and respect the Supreme Court order on ‘Padmaavat’.

Everyone must abide by the law. Whoever is attacking women and children are doing wrong. This shouldn’t happen. I request everyone to follow the orders of the Supreme Court.

Manoj Tiwari, Delhi BJP Chief to ANI

Video Editor: Sandeep Suman