Bharatpur Maharaj is new poster boy of Rajasthan BJP

The Jat rally is the second such gathering to be held by the BJP, and over two lakh Jats from across the state are expected to participate. The BJP is hoping to cash in on the popularity of Suraj Mal, who fought the Mughals in the 17th century. Though the party is organising the gathering, it insists that it is not a political function. “Maharaja Suraj Mal is a historical figure and not a new-found hero. There was no special occasion to celebrate his heroism earlier. This time around it’s his 300th birth anniversary, which is a good enough reason for such an event,” says Rampal Jat, state BJP general secretary, who is also part of the in-house committee organising this event. However, while the BJP is busy preparing for a maha rally in his name, the descendant of Suraj Mal, Vishvendra Singh, who is also the Bharatpur MP, is keeping away from the event.

Sources within the party say he has chosen to stay away because of his personal problems with Natwar Singh, who is expected to participate in the rally. Reports suggest that Natwar Singh’s son Jagat is busy organising crowds for the event.

Asked why Vishvendra was not part of the event, Rampal Jat called it is his personal decision. “This is not a private event and no special invitations have been given. We are hounouring a great hero, and if he wants, he is most welcome to be a part of it,” he stated.