Rajasthan: Protests and Hunger Strike in Neem Ka Thana Against the Abolishment of Nine Districts

Jaipur, Jan 1 (NationPress) The agitation against the BJP government led by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma regarding the elimination of nine districts in Rajasthan is ongoing as of Tuesday.

Members of both the Congress and BJP, along with local organizations and residents, have threatened to escalate their protests if the districts are not restored.

In Neem Ka Thana, the Zilla Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has initiated an indefinite hunger strike in front of the District Collectorate.

Young demonstrators voiced their dissent against the BJP's decision by burning tyres at the Khetri Mod.

Mamta Saini, who leads the BJP Rural Mandal women's wing in Chanwara, expressed her disagreement by resigning and handing her resignation to the party's District President Banwari Lal Saini.

Praveen Jakhar, who is spearheading the hunger strike at the Collectorate in Neem Ka Thana, stated, "The hunger strike will continue until the government reinstates Neem Ka Thana district."

He blamed political meddling for the district's removal, despite it fulfilling the necessary criteria.

The demand for the restoration of Neem Ka Thana's district status has persisted since 1952.

Meanwhile, young protesters at Khetri shouted slogans against the BJP while burning tyres.

An important meeting is scheduled at the Jat hostel to plan the next steps of the movement, during which an 11-member committee will be established to oversee the protests.

Protests are likely to persist as the Jat community advocates for the reinstatement of Neem Ka Thana and the other districts that were abolished.

The Anupgarh Zila Bachao Sangharsh Samiti also commenced an indefinite dharna (protest) on Tuesday, with a significant number of its members camping in front of the District Collectorate.

In Sanchore, on the second day of protests, the Zila Bachao Sangharsh Samiti and Congress members conducted a foot march, chanting slogans against the state government. They also submitted a memorandum to Sub-Divisional District Magistrate Pramod Kumar, insisting that the district status remain unchanged.

Jogeshwar Garg, Chief Whip of the BJP Legislative Party, condemned the state government's decision to abolish the district.

He emphasized that the establishment of districts requires thorough consideration and noted that longstanding requests for districts like Balotra, Phalodi, Beawar, Kotputli, and Didwana were valid.

However, he claimed that many districts were formed under political pressure without adequate justification, mentioning Sanchore as an example.

Garg characterized the decision as "immature" and a mockery of the administrative process.