JAIPUR: Protests towards the Rajasthan authorities’s choice to abolish 9 newly-created districts continued for a 3rd day on Tuesday, with protesters in a single district launching a starvation strike whereas these in one other saying an indefinite shutdown. The state authorities on December 28 determined to abolish 9 of the 17 districts created by the earlier Congress dispensation, saying they have been neither sensible nor in public curiosity.
Three new divisions — Pali, Banswara and Sikar — have been additionally dissolved in a Cupboard assembly chaired by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. The state will now have seven divisions and 41 districts.
Protesting towards the choice, some individuals in Neem Ka Thana district have began a starvation strike. In Anupgarh, an indefinite shutdown has been introduced towards the federal government’s transfer. Agitators below the Jila Bachao Samiti’s banner held a sit-in and burned tires outdoors the Neem Ka Thana collector’s workplace, demanding reinstatement of its district standing.
Native leaders, together with a zila parishad chairman and a panchayat samiti president, have resigned in solidarity with the protesters. Samiti convenor Praveen Jakhar mentioned, “Since 1952, individuals of this area have been demanding district standing. The BJP authorities has performed soiled politics. Individuals will proceed the starvation strike till their demand is met.” In Anupgarh, native companies and markets have been shut in protest, with even petrol pumps working for restricted hours.
Farmers and merchants have suspended all actions. Save Anupgarh District Sangarsh Committee chief Suresh Bishnoi mentioned, “We’re united as it’s a combat for our future. We’ll proceed to protest till the federal government reinstates district standing.” Sukhram Bishnoi, a former minister within the Congress authorities, led the protests in Sanchore and accused native MLA Jeevaram Chaudhary of not elevating the problem.
Addressing a gathering, he emphasised the long-term significance of district standing and urged individuals to organize for an extended battle. Highlighting geographical disparities, Bishnoi mentioned if Deeg — positioned solely 35 kilometres from Bharatpur — may retain its district standing, so ought to Sanchore, located 180 kilometres from Jalore.
“If we do not act now, future generations will see us as careless. But when we succeed, they may keep in mind us as protectors of their rights,” he mentioned.
A memorandum was submitted to further district Justice of the Peace Pramod Kumar Bishnoi. Protests have been additionally seen in Pali towards the revocation of its division standing.
Led by Magharaj Soni of the Pali Sambhag Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, advocates and residents gathered outdoors the Pali court docket and held a protest. “The earlier authorities’s choice gave us hope that Pali would develop into a significant hub with new alternatives. Places of work for high officers have been already arrange. Revoking our division standing has crushed that progress. We’ll combat till justice is served,” Soni mentioned.
Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot has known as the choice to abolish the 9 districts “unlucky”. Madhya Pradesh is a smaller state in comparison with Rajasthan however has 53 districts whereas Rajasthan solely has 41, he has mentioned. The 9 Rajasthan districts abolished are Anupgarh, Dudu, Gangapur Metropolis, Jaipur Rural, Jodhpur Rural, Kekri, Neem Ka Thana, Sanchore and Shahpura.
