In the grand premises of Udaipur's Town Hall, where echoes of political legacy mingled with the solemnity of a memorial ceremony, the Governor of Assam, Gulab Chand Kataria found himself thrust into an unexpected confrontation. The occasion was a tribute meeting organised by the Sunder Singh Bhandari Charitable Trust.

As the evening settled over the gathered dignitaries and esteemed guests, Kataria, a stalwart of the BJP and known for his firm demeanor, sat beside Vasundhara Raje, the former Chief Minister of Rajasthan , during the tribute organized by the Sunder Singh Bhandari Charitable Trust. The occasion marked the remembrance of Sundar Singh Bhandari and Syama Prasad Mukherjee,  founder members of the Bhartiya Jan Sanhg, the predesessor of the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP). Both were also members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). While Sundar Singh Bhandari was born and did his initial education in Udaipur, Syama Prasad hailed from Kolkata. Syama Prasad is thus recognised as the founder of BJP.

The Altercation

Amidst the ambiance of reverence and historical reflection, tensions simmered. Vijay Suhalka, an elderly member of the Sang, rose from his seat with a garland in hand, a gesture intended to honor Vasundhara Raje, a political figure whom Bhandari himself had once mentored. But as Suhalka approached the stage, Assam's Governor Kataria halted him mid-step, his voice carrying a steely command.

"Not now (अभी नहीं)," Kataria's words were low but firm, cutting through the murmurs of anticipation in the hall.

Suhalka's brow furrowed in defiance; his devotion to the Sangह 's traditions conflicting with Kataria's authoritative stance. The trustee of the Charitable Trust, Kunti Lal Jain, intervened, attempting to guide Suhalka away discreetly. However, fueled by his reverence for Bhandari and his unyielding respect for Vasundhara Raje, Suhalka resisted, his aged eyes fixed on the woman who symbolized decades of political influence.

The tension escalated palpably as Kataria rose abruptly from his seat, his imposing figure casting a shadow over the stage. With a gesture more forceful than intended, he directed Suhalka towards the stairs, attempting to maintain decorum but inadvertently igniting the ire of the elderly Sangh member.

"You've no right!" Suhalka's voice quivered with indignation as he accused Kataria of overstepping his authority.

The hall, once filled with the echoes of solemn remembrance, now buzzed with whispers and the clinking of jewelry as guests exchanged puzzled glances. Vasundhara Raje, her demeanor composed yet betraying a hint of concern, watched the unfolding drama with a mixture of surprise and disapproval.

In the midst of the commotion, the essence of Sunder Singh Bhandari's legacy seemed to flicker, caught between the reverence for political history and the clash of personalities in the present.