Congress Leaders Rally Behind 79-Year-Old Ex-Minister's Protest in Jaisalmer
Senior Congress leaders are preparing to lend their support to a protest in Jaisalmer district. The demonstration centers on the Rajasthan government's recent redrawing of district boundaries. Former deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot, state Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra, and Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully will all travel to Dhorimana on Wednesday.
Protest Against District Boundary Changes
At the heart of the protest is a simple demand. Protesters want Gudamalani and Dhorimana to remain part of Barmer district. The state government issued a notification to include these areas in the newly formed Balotra district instead.
The government made this notification on the night of December 31. However, it only came to public attention on January 2 through media reports. People from the affected areas quickly organized a response.
Residents of Gudamalani and Dhorimana began a dharna at a protest site in Dhorimana on January 3. They have maintained their vigil ever since.
Hemaram Chaudhary's Brave Stand
Seventy-nine-year-old former minister Hemaram Chaudhary joined the protest on its second day. He has remained at the site continuously for ten days now. Chaudhary is braving the open air amid a severe cold wave gripping the region.
The elderly leader stated the protesters' position clearly. "Our demand is simple," Chaudhary said. "We want Gudamalani and Dhorimana to stay in Barmer district. They should not become part of Balotra."
Congress Leaders' Planned Visit
Congress leaders have now scheduled a visit to bolster the protest. According to organizers, the leaders will participate in several key activities:
- Join a rally from the protest site to the SDM's office
- Submit a memorandum to authorities
- Address a public meeting in support of the protesters
The leaders are making special travel arrangements to reach the remote location. Sachin Pilot will fly from Delhi to Jodhpur airport. From there, he will travel by road to Dhorimana.
Govind Singh Dotasra and Tikaram Jully will take a different route. They plan to reach Barmer by train at 6 AM. After arriving, they will also travel by road to Dhorimana. Following their participation in the protest events, the leaders will depart for Jodhpur.
The protest continues as political attention focuses on this boundary dispute. Local residents maintain their vigil while awaiting the arrival of high-profile supporters.
