What is Karni Sena, influential Rajasthan sect whose chief was shot dead in Jaipur?

The shocking murder of Karni Sena President Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi sparked protests in Jaipur as supporters demanded action against the assassins. The nearly two decade old orgnaisation aims to “protect and preserve” the Rajput community. President Gogamedi’s broad daylight murder has brought the organisation back into the limelight. 

Karni Sena saw a downfall when some assassins shot down the President Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi inside his house. The organisation  is known for many other reasons than this. 

Facts from history of Karni Sena that you need to know:

Karni Sena is a non-profit Rajput social organisation founded on September 23, 2006, in Jhotwara, a small village in Jaipur, by some Rajput youth and Lokendra Singh Kalvi. The Karni Sena is named after Karni Mata, the mother of Rajasthani Rajputs. 

The organisation is divided into three sections based on the agreed differences, the first is the Shri Rajput Karni Sena, led by Lokendra Singh Kalvi, the second by Ajit Singh Mamdoli, and the third by Sukhdev Singh Gogamedhi, who was murdered in broad daylight on Tuesday, December 5. 

Originally, the organisation was founded with a common aim, that is to protect the minority Rajputs in India and preserve the Rajput culture. However, in its 17 year long existence Karni Sena has often been linked to several controversies.

In 2017, the organisation hit a national headline after the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s movie’s song ‘Ghoomar’. Karni Sena had publicly issued death threats to the lead actress, Deepika Padokone and the director Bhansali. They had claimed that the ghoomar song video ‘offended’ the community norms. The matter escalated even further and an announcement was made that whoever brings the head of actor Deepika Padokone to him will get a cash prize. 

Karni Sena’s violent  protest forced Sanjay Leela Bhansali to change the movie name as well. 

Rajasthan has been governed by both national parties alternatively with Ashok Gehlot as the last serving Chief Minister from Indian National Congress party. As per 2023 assembly elections result, the Bharatiya Janata Party secured majority of seats this time in Rajasthan and CM is yet to be announced.