Villagers in Tonk protest after former MP Sukhbir Singh Jaunapuria insults Muslim women; community unites in a rare show of Hindu–Muslim solidarity
JAIPUR — A blanket distribution event in Rajasthan’s Tonk district has turned into a major political controversy after former BJP MP Sukhbir Singh Jaunapuria was accused of humiliating Muslim women and taking back blankets already given to them.
The incident, which took place in Kareda Buzurg village, has triggered protests from locals across communities. In an unusual show of unity, Hindu women publicly returned the blankets and sweets distributed at the event, saying they would not accept help that divides people on religious lines.
Villagers were heard saying, “We will beg if needed, but we do not want blankets that spread hatred. We are returning all your blankets to you.”
According to villagers, Jaunapuria stopped in the village while travelling from Delhi and organised a blanket distribution programme for needy residents. He has previously served two terms as MP from Tonk–Sawai Madhopur.
Residents allege that during the distribution, some Muslim women were asked names and religion. They were then reportedly made to sit separately and denied blankets.
Several villagers claimed that blankets already handed to Muslim women were taken back.
One villager said, “First, they called the women to collect blankets. Then they asked about their religion and separated them. After that, they refused to give them blankets. This insulted our sisters.”
Another resident added: “We cannot allow anyone to insult our brothers and sisters in the name of religion. Our village believes in unity.”
In protest, villagers announced that they would return all blankets and sweets given at the event. Hindu women led the symbolic act of sending back the items.
Residents gathered in the village square and raised slogans against the former MP. An effigy of Jaunapuria was also burnt during the protest.
A group of women said in a joint statement: “Rajasthan stands for Hindu–Muslim brotherhood. We will not allow anyone to break our unity. Even if we have to beg, we will not take such blankets.”
Villagers said that they had earlier confronted Jaunapuria about the incident, but he left the village, stating that it was not a government programme but his personal initiative, and that he would decide whom to give blankets to.
Video Goes Viral
The controversy grew after a video of the incident circulated widely on social media. The footage reportedly shows people being questioned about their religion during the distribution.
The video has sparked strong reactions online, with many users criticising the alleged discrimination.
Despite growing criticism, Jaunapuria has defended his conduct. He said that he had done nothing wrong.
According to him, some people from a particular community oppose Prime Minister Narendra Modi and regularly make negative comments about him.
Jaunapuria said, “Not all Hindus support the BJP. But will people from that particular community attend Modi’s rally?”
He also claimed that there is no discrimination in the material distributed in his kitchens or schools. However, he maintained that his decision during the blanket event was justified.
Political Reactions
The issue has also led to political protests.
At Ahimsa Circle in Niwai, city and block Congress leaders organised a demonstration against Jaunapuria. Under the leadership of city Congress president Satish Sharma and block president Shankar Chaudhary, party workers raised slogans and burnt an effigy of the former MP.
Tonk MP Naresh Meena strongly criticised the incident.
He said, “People with such thinking cannot represent Rajasthan. Our state is known for harmony between Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians.”
Meena added, “Those who try to divide society do not understand Rajasthan’s culture. Such incidents must be condemned.”
Growing Debate
The incident has reopened the debate over communal harmony in Rajasthan. While supporters of Jaunapuria argue that the event was private and not government-funded, critics say that public humiliation on religious grounds is unacceptable under any circumstances.
Locals say their message is clear.
One elderly villager summed it up: “‘We have lived together for generations. No leader can come and divide us. Our unity is stronger than politics.”
As the controversy spreads across the state and beyond, many are watching to see whether party leadership or state authorities will take further action.
For now, in one small Rajasthan village, Hindu and Muslim families have chosen to stand together — sending back blankets in defence of their shared dignity.
