Last Updated on November 4, 2026 5:27 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
By Ashfaq Kayamkhani / JAIPUR
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has become the first Chief Minister of the state to invite members of the kayamkhani community to his official residence for a direct interaction, an initiative that has generated considerable discussion in political circles.
The community interaction programme was organised at the Chief Minister’s official residence in Jaipur following the efforts of several prominent community figures, including Zarina Khan, outgoing sarpanch of Beswa village and wife of senior police officer Arshad Ali Khan; Colonel Shaukat Khan, convenor of the Rajasthan kayamkhani Mahasabha; and teachers’ leader Amin Qaimkhani.
The meeting was attended by prominent personalities, public representatives and social activists from across Rajasthan, along with a large gathering of men and women from the community.
Addressing the gathering, Sharma highlighted the Qaimkhani community’s history of valour, dedication, honesty and sacrifice in the service of the nation. He recalled its contribution to India’s defence, including the sacrifices made by its members in various wars and their role in securing victories against enemy forces. The Chief Minister also briefed the gathering about various welfare schemes and initiatives of the state government.
During the interaction, community representatives raised several demands, including the inclusion of the kayamkhani community in the Central List of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), besides other issues concerning the community. Although the Chief Minister did not make any specific formal announcement, he indicated that several demands could be considered. The ongoing panchayat elections and the Model Code of Conduct, however, restricted him from making explicit commitments.
The programme has also enhanced the public and political profile of Zarina Khan, who played a key role in organising the interaction. She has served twice as sarpanch of Beswa, a major Qaimkhani-dominated village in the Shekhawati region, and is currently contesting from Ward 47 of the Sikar Zila Parishad.
The kayamkhani are a community in Rajasthan with historical Rajput ancestry whose members embraced Islam. Agriculture, the armed forces and police services have traditionally been among their major areas of engagement. In recent years, members of the community have also increasingly entered other civil services, including administrative and police services, supported by growing educational opportunities. The community has a longstanding association with military service and takes pride in its contribution to the country’s defence.
Politically, the kayamkhani community has maintained links with different political parties, including the Congress, Swatantra Party, Janata Party and BJP. Its members have represented different constituencies as legislators and have also served in ministerial positions.
Alam Ali Khan represented the Fatehpur Assembly constituency on behalf of the Swatantra Party and later the Janata Party. Ramzan Khan and Yunus Khan were elected on BJP tickets and served as ministers in the Rajasthan government. Yunus Khan is currently an Independent MLA from Didwana. He is also regarded as the only Muslim to have been elected as an Independent MLA in Rajasthan’s political history.
The interaction is being viewed as a significant political outreach to the kayamkhani community. Community members have welcomed the Chief Minister’s initiative, describing it as an important step towards recognising their contribution and providing them with a direct platform to raise their concerns before the state government.