In a striking display of dissent, 75-year-old former minister Hemaram Chaudhary spent a night under the open sky in Jaisalmer's Dhorimana area, joining a sit-in protest against the recent alteration of district boundaries in Rajasthan. The veteran leader, armed only with a blanket, demonstrated solidarity with local residents opposing a state government notification that has redrawn the administrative map.
The Heart of the Protest: A Night Under the Stars
The protest intensified on Sunday night when Chaudhary decided to sleep outdoors at the demonstration site. This symbolic act aimed to highlight the deep-seated public discontent. The very next day, on Monday, the agitation gained further momentum as Chaudhary, alongside other protesters, embarked on a foot march. The march proceeded from the protest venue to the office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). There, the group formally submitted a memorandum urging the authorities to reconsider the controversial decision. Following the submission, the protesters returned to their site and resumed their sit-in, signaling a prolonged agitation.
Understanding the Government Notification
The root of the unrest lies in a notification issued by the Rajasthan government on December 31. The order, which came to light in the media on the night of January 2, involves a significant reorganisation of district boundaries. According to the notification:
- The areas of Dhorimana and Gudamalani have been shifted from Barmer district to the newly formed Balotra district.
- Conversely, the Baytoo area has been moved back into Barmer district.
The political reaction has been split along party lines. While workers of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have welcomed the move, Congress party workers and leaders have mounted strong opposition.
Voices of Opposition and Public Concern
In a social media post, former minister Hemaram Chaudhary lambasted the decision, labeling it as "anti-people." He clarified that the protest is not merely about lines on a map but has serious practical implications. "The issue was not about boundaries but about access to essential services," he stated. Chaudhary argued that the reorganisation would compel residents to undertake longer, more arduous journeys for routine but critical work related to revenue matters, administration, police, and court cases.
Adding his voice to the criticism, Congress MLA from Baytoo, Harish Chaudhary, addressed a press conference on Monday. He opposed what he termed as "caste-based decisions" in the district reorganisation process. The MLA contended that such actions violate the social traditions of the Thar region and alleged that the government imposed the decision while completely ignoring public sentiment.
Chaudhary also pointed a finger at Minister KK Vishnoi, accusing him of publicly taking credit for the boundary changes. Despite this, the people of Dhorimana and Gudamalani are continuing their democratic protest against what they perceive as an unjust government diktat.
