Video of former BJP MP Sukhbir Singh Jaunapuria sparks row after Muslim women humiliated in Tonk, Rajasthan
NEW DELHI — A video allegedly showing former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sukhbir Singh Jaunapuria taking back blankets from Muslim women during a distribution event in Rajasthan’s Tonk district has triggered controversy on social media and drawn criticism from various quarters.
According to media reports, the incident took place on Sunday (22 February) in Kareeda Buzurg village in the Niwai area. A blanket distribution programme for poor and needy people was organised on the premises of a Sita-Ram temple. Women from nearby villages, belonging to different communities, had gathered and were waiting for their turn to receive blankets to protect themselves from the cold.
In the viral video, Jaunapuria is seen personally distributing blankets and asking women their names. When he asked one woman her name, she identified herself as Sukaran Khan, also reported in some accounts as Sakuran Khan. After hearing her name, he allegedly reacted angrily and instructed that the blanket be left aside.
In the clip, he can be heard saying, “Kya naam hai tera (What is your name?)” and after learning of her religious identity, telling her, “Hat ek taraf, kambal yahin chhod de (Pull aside, leave the blanket here only).” The video has since circulated widely, leading to sharp reactions online.
Some women present at the event claimed that they were initially given blankets but were later asked to return them after their identity as Muslims became known. There are also allegations that other Muslim women were denied blankets during the programme. In another part of the video, Jaunapuria is reportedly heard saying, “Jo Modi ko gaali deta hai, use kambal lene ka haq nahin hai (Those who abuse Modi, do not deserve a blanket.”
Residents and eyewitnesses said that some people at the venue objected to the alleged behaviour and questioned it. However, Jaunapuria is said to have described the event as his personal programme and not a government scheme. He reportedly told local BJP workers that while anyone could be seated, the blanket distribution was his private initiative.
A report in NDTV, quoting the affected women, said that elderly women, including Sakuran, Razia and Zubaida Jame, alleged that they felt publicly humiliated. One of the women said, “We were sitting quietly like everyone else. First, we were given blankets and then they were taken back after our names were asked. It was very insulting.”
Jaunapuria has previously represented the Tonk-Sawai Madhopur Lok Sabha seat twice. The video has now become a matter of debate on social media, with users expressing mixed reactions. While some have criticised the alleged conduct as discriminatory, others have called for a full verification of the context of the video.
So far, there has been no official statement from Jaunapuria addressing the specific allegations in detail. The incident has added to ongoing discussions about discrimination, political conduct and the treatment of beneficiaries during public or private welfare events.
Observers say that clarity from all sides will be important to establish the full facts of the matter. Meanwhile, the women involved have reiterated that they felt hurt and humiliated during what was meant to be a relief distribution event.
