Samba Times Special
Jammu, December 23, 2025 – The Yuva Rajput Sabha (YRS), once a unified voice for the Rajput youth in Jammu, is now embroiled in a bitter internal conflict that threatens to splinter the organization irreparably. What began as a leadership transition following the resignation of former President Vikram Singh
has devolved into a full-blown factional war, complete with dueling swearing-in ceremonies, broken promises, and accusations of foul play. Sources within the community suggest the dispute may soon head to court, with rival groups vying for control of the YRS name and legacy.
The saga traces back to earlier this year when Vikram Singh stepped down from the presidency after completion of his tenure amid growing internal pressures but without a swearing in ceremony of next president by full group. Mandeep Singh after his resignation claimed presidency but refusal by the Chairman. Chairman Raghubir Singh chose Rakwal as the president leading to factionalism. In an attempt to bridge the divide, community elders brokered an accord granting a temporary three-month tenure to Rakwal, popularly known as Rinku, as interim president. This arrangement included a clear promise: upon completion of Rakwal’s term, the presidency would pass to Mandeep Singh Chib, a prominent figure seen as a stabilizing force within the Sabha. Rakwal’s swearing-in ceremony proceeded without major incident, and for a brief period, it appeared the organization might regain its footing. However, the fragile peace shattered when Dilawar Singh Makhan unexpectedly emerged on the scene, declaring himself the rightful president of YRS. Makhan, backed by a vocal faction including Raghubir Singh—who holds the position of Chairman in one wing of the group—positioned his claim as a defense of the Sabha’s traditional values against what he termed “opportunistic elements.”The plot thickened with Mandeep Singh Chib’s own swearing-in ceremony yesterday, December 22, 2025, where he was formally installed as president by his supporters. The event, held amid heightened tensions, was immediately denounced by Raghubir Singh. In a fiery statement, the Chairman refused to accept Chib’s presidency, labeling it “illegitimate” and accusing Chib’s camp of bypassing established protocols. “This is not leadership; this is division,” Raghubir Singh declared, echoing sentiments from Makhan’s faction that portrayed Chib’s move as a power grab. Eyewitness accounts from the ceremony paint a chaotic picture. Shortly after Chib took the oath, an alleged altercation erupted, with reports of one individual being attacked by members associated with Chib’s group. The victim, whose identity remains unconfirmed, was said to be a supporter of the rival faction. Makhan swiftly condemned the incident, terming Chib’s supporters a “gang” and calling for an investigation. “Such violence has no place in our Sabha,” he stated in a press release co-signed by Raghubir Singh. This accusation has further inflamed the rhetoric, with Chib’s side dismissing it as “baseless propaganda” aimed at undermining his legitimacy.
The rapid sequence of events— from the Rakwal accord to Makhan’s sudden ascent and Chib’s defiant ceremony—has left many in the Rajput community bewildered. Insiders reveal that the three-month tenure for Rakwal was intended as a cooling-off period, allowing time for broader consultations. However, Makhan’s intervention, reportedly fueled by dissatisfaction with the accord’s terms, disrupted this plan. “The promise to Chib was clear, but external influences and personal ambitions got in the way,” said a neutral observer close to the negotiations, speaking on condition of anonymity. As rival factions solidify, Dilawar Singh Makhan now leads one wing of YRS, focusing on grassroots mobilization and community outreach, while Mandeep Singh Chib heads the other, emphasizing organizational reforms and youth empowerment. This parallel structure has led to confusion among members, with events and statements issued under the same YRS banner but from opposing sides. The “decreasing graph of popularity,” as described by critics, is evident in growing apathy among the youth, who see the infighting as a distraction from pressing issues like employment and cultural preservation in Jammu.
Adding to the drama, whispers of legal action are growing louder. Multiple sources indicate that Chairman faction is preparing to approach the Jammu courts to affirm their claim over the YRS name and assets. Conversely, Chib camp has hinted at counter-suits, arguing that their leadership aligns with the Sabha’s founding principles. Legal experts suggest such a case could invoke provisions under the Societies Registration Act, potentially dragging on for months and further eroding the organization’s influence.
The YRS, historically a force in Jammu’s socio-political landscape, has played key roles in advocating for Rajput interests, from reservation demands to cultural festivals. However, this leadership tussle risks reducing it to a footnote. Community leaders, including elders from affiliated Rajput groups, have called for mediation to avert a permanent split. “Unity is our strength; division will only weaken us,” urged one senior figure. As of now, no official court filings have been confirmed, but the battle lines are drawn. With both factions refusing to back down, the coming weeks could determine whether YRS emerges stronger or fades into obscurity. For the Rajput youth of Jammu, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
