The Karnataka assembly elections witnessed intense political rivalry between the Congress and BJP, particularly concerning Bajrang Bali and Bajrang Dal. BJP capitalized on the ban imposed on Bajrang Dal, considering it an affront to Bajrang Bali, and turned it into a crucial electoral matter. Nonetheless, Congress leaders in Madhya Pradesh remain enthusiastic about the prospects of forming a Congress-led government. In a significant development, Kamal Nath has now garnered the support of Bajrang Sena in the elections. Notable figures, including Raghunandan Sharma, the national convenor of Bajrang Sena, Amrish Rai, the state president, and singer Urmila Nagar, have joined the Congress party.
Prior to his address on stage, former Chief Minister Kamal Nath exclaimed “Jai Shri Ram” (Hail Lord Ram). He went on to say that they had decided to support the Congress, emphasizing that their allegiance was not to the party but to the truth. He further highlighted the prevalence of corruption in the state, citing the Mahakal scam and the Narmada scam as examples. Kamal Nath stressed the need to safeguard the cultural heritage and outlined youth unemployment as the most pressing challenge.
Hundreds of workers, including Raghunandan Sharma and Amrish Rai, from Bajrang Sena have joined the Congress. To commemorate this occasion, a rally was organized from Jharneshwar Temple on Link Road, Bhopal to PCC, under the guidance of Ranveer Pateria, the National President of Bajrang Sena. Bajrang Sena members will officially join the Congress party in the presence of Kamal Nath, the Chief of the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC).
Deepak Joshi, while addressing the gathering, expressed that the Bajrang army, which represents Lord Ram’s devout servant Hanumanji, was present. He emphasized their commitment to preserving culture and commended Kamal Nath for his dedication as a true guardian of Sanatan Dharma. Joshi praised Kamal Nath’s efforts in constructing one lakh cow shelters during his tenure as Chief Minister, ensuring a peaceful existence for the cows. He also mentioned the significant contribution made by Kamal Nath, using his own funds, towards erecting the largest Bajrangbali statue in Madhya Pradesh. This act resonated with Bajrang Sena, prompting them to extend their support to honor his personality.
Raghunandan Sharma, the national convenor of Bajrang Sena, asserted that if there was one honest leader in Madhya Pradesh politics, it was Kailash Chandra Joshi. Despite being a consistent supporter of the Bharatiya Janata Party and Shivraj Singh Chouhan, allegations were leveled against him. Sharma recounted an incident when the BJP’s National Organization General Secretary had visited Pragya Singh’s place to convince him that Hindus were under threat. In response, Sharma maintained that Hindus were not in danger, but rather brokers had controlled Madhya Pradesh for years.
Ranveer Pateria, the National President of Bajrang Sena, highlighted that despite the BJP’s 18-year-long slogan-chanting, they failed to construct a single cowshed. However, as soon as Kamal Nath assumed office as Chief Minister, he swiftly established cow shelters in every village. Pateria emphasized their decade-long struggle for employment and the dire need for action against corruption in Gaushalas (cow shelters).
Bajrang Sena’s Support for Congress
In a discussion with Dainik Bhaskar, Ranveer Pataria, the National President of Bajrang Sena, stated that some members of their organization are joining the Congress. However, Bajrang Sena’s support for the Congress party is based on their alignment with pertinent issues during the elections, rather than involving all office-bearers.
Formation in Chhatarpur
Ranveer Pateria established Bajrang Sena in Chhatarpur in 2013. The movement of Bajrang Sena has been actively demonstrating its commitment to religious and social causes. Approximately six years ago, under the leadership of Ranveer Pateria, Bajrang Sena staged a significant protest in Chhatarpur.