Escalating Tensions in Rajasthan Congress: Defamatory Posters Against Senior Leader Spark Community Outrage in Ajmer

Jaipur: Factional rifts within the Rajasthan Congress escalated dramatically in Ajmer with the appearance of derogatory posters targeting senior Congress leader and former RTDC Chairman Dharmendra Singh Rathore. The posters, labeling him as a "thief" and "broker," were discovered throughout public spaces in the city.

The controversy erupted during Congress Central Observer Ashok Tanwar's visit to Ajmer, where his efforts to foster party unity were undermined by a heated confrontation between opposing factions at a city-level meeting on Sunday.

The inflammatory posters featured Rathore's photograph alongside provocative slogans including 'Congress-Desh mein Vote Chor,' 'Gaddi Chhod,' and 'Congress Ajmer Mein Dalal Va Chore, Ajmer Chhod.' This public display of internal discord coincided with Tanwar's presence in Ajmer, where he was conducting a review of the organizational structure and attempting to promote cohesion within the party.

However, Tanwar's unification efforts were disrupted during a City Congress Committee meeting at Hans Paradise on Sunday when supporters of Rathore clashed with those of outgoing District President Vijay Jain. The confrontation escalated into loud arguments and slogan-shouting, forcing the meeting to halt for approximately 15 minutes until senior leaders intervened to restore calm.

The offensive posters were discovered in various public locations, including toilets, prompting strong condemnation from Rathore's supporters. They characterized the incident as a calculated attempt to damage his reputation and submitted a formal memorandum to the Superintendent of Police at the Collectorate, requesting a thorough investigation and appropriate action against the perpetrators.

Addressing the situation, Rathore stated, "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."

The incident highlights the persistent divide between the Gehlot and Pilot factions within the Rajasthan Congress. Rathore is recognized as a close associate of former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, while Jain maintains connections with Sachin Pilot's group.

During the disrupted meeting, Jain indirectly criticized Rathore, noting, "I was given responsibility in 2016, but the organisation was dissolved in 2020. Despite that, I did historic work for five years without holding a formal position."

He further emphasized his leadership effectiveness, claiming that the organization performed strongly under his guidance, in contrast to Rathore's tenure, during which only 11 out of 72 councillor seats were secured. Jain asserted that seven out of eight candidates he recommended achieved victory.

On Tuesday, the Rajput Hostel and Educational Institution organized a protest against the circulation of the defamatory posters targeting Rathore, a respected figure in the Rajput community.

Members of the Rajput community assembled at District Superintendent of Police Vandita Rana's office, where they presented a memorandum demanding decisive action against those responsible for attempting to tarnish Rathore's reputation.

Sumer Singh, President of the Rajput Hostel and Educational Institution, confirmed that the posters labeling Rathore as a "broker" and "thief" were visible at numerous locations throughout Ajmer. Some displayed slogans such as "Congress—brokers and thieves, leave Ajmer."

"This act is a deliberate attempt to defame a respected member of our community," Sumer Singh stated. "Putting up such posters in public places is not only defamatory but has also hurt the sentiments of the Rajput community and associated social organisations."

The memorandum submitted to law enforcement requested a fair and thorough investigation to identify the individuals responsible for the incident.

The Rajput community has expressed profound dissatisfaction and warned that failure to take immediate action could result in widespread demonstrations.