Retired Army Officer Kesari Singh Rathore Under Fire for Alleged Casteist Remarks

Jaipur: Days after his appointment as a member of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC), retired army officer Kesari Singh Rathore has landed in a controversy after some old videos of him purportedly making casteist statements surfaced online.

Videos Surface Causing Backlash

Lt Col (retired) Rathore was among three people who were appointed as members of the commission on Monday, shortly before the Model Code of Conduct came into force in the state, which goes to polls on November 25. The videos surfaced on social media after Rathore's appointment, drawing flak from members of the Jat community and other castes. They alleged that the statements were against certain castes and were biased.

Chief Minister Expresses Regret

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday said that he was deeply hurt due to Rathore's statements. He termed the appointment as an unfortunate incident that happened because of him as he deliberately took the person looking at his army background.

Congress Sources Reveal Political Aspirations

Congress sources said that Rathore was aspiring for a Congress ticket from the Makrana assembly constituency, which is currently held by the BJP.

Gehlot Defends Appointment

Earlier, Gehlot in a statement posted on Twitter said that the state government had recommended his appointment in view of his military background. Gehlot said that any person serving in the army is expected to serve the country irrespective of caste, religion, and class. Soldiers sacrifice their lives to protect the country and hence, they are respected by society, he said.

Jat Leader Demands Resignation

Jat leader and president of the Rajasthan Jat Mahasabha, Rajaram Meel, had written a letter to the Governor and Congress leaders on Tuesday to cancel the appointment of Rathore in view of his biased statements. He alleged that Rathore has been a controversial and biased person and has worked to spread hatred in society through his statements against certain castes.

The controversy surrounding Rathore's appointment has raised questions about the process of selecting members for the RPSC and the need for ensuring that such institutions remain free from bias and prejudice. The chief minister's expression of regret and the demand for Rathore's resignation by Jat leaders indicate the seriousness of the issue and the potential impact it could have on the upcoming assembly elections in Rajasthan.