Political Clash over Abolition of Nine Newly Formed Districts and Three Divisions in Rajasthan

Jaipur: The controversy surrounding the abolition of nine newly formed districts and three divisions during the Gehlot government’s tenure has further escalated tensions between the BJP and Congress. Both parties have intensified their political attacks, with the BJP defending the move while Congress launches a strong protest campaign.

Acting on the instructions of the Bhajan Lal-led state government, the Revenue Department issued orders to divisional commissioners to transfer files of the abolished districts and divisions back to the original ones. Additionally, IT equipment, furniture, and other resources provided by the state government are to be returned immediately. Personnel deployed in the abolished districts have been instructed to report back to their respective departments, and rented office spaces are to be vacated and handed over to the concerned departments.

In Jaipur division, orders have been issued to transfer files of Dudu, Jaipur Rural, and Neem Ka Thana districts, along with Sikar division’s documents, to their original districts and divisions. Similar orders have been issued by the divisional commissioners of Banswara, Sikar, and Pali.

Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot criticized the Bhajan Lal government for retaining Deeg as a district while abolishing Dudu, accusing them of political bias. Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra, speaking at a meeting in Sikar, warned of a mass agitation against the decision. Dotasra announced a state-wide protest, with Sikar observing a bandh on January 4, followed by a memorandum submission to the SDM on January 7.

The protest will be led by Dotasra, MP Comrade Amra Ram, Churu MP Rahul Kaswan, and representatives of the Bar Association. The meeting, organized under the banner of the INDIA alliance, witnessed participation from leaders of Churu, Neem Ka Thana, and Jhunjhunu, along with student and farmer organizations.

Addressing the gathering, Dotasra strongly criticized the BJP, stating, “The BJP has no authority to abolish Sikar division or Neem Ka Thana district. Their governance is dependent on temple visits and random decisions. We will ensure these divisions are reinstated.” He further claimed that abolishing the divisions has adversely impacted Sikar’s potential to host major institutions like AIIMS and IIT.

On the other hand, BJP leader Rajendra Rathore accused the Gehlot government of hastily forming districts and divisions to satisfy political allies without assessing population, financial resources, or geographical feasibility. He defended the Bhajan Lal government’s decision, calling it practical and aligned with public sentiment.

BJP state in-charge Dr. Radha Mohan Das Agarwal also supported the move, stating that even Deputy CM Dr. Prem Chand Bairwa, the MLA from Dudu, welcomed the decision, recognizing it as being in the public interest.

The issue is expected to dominate the upcoming legislative assembly session, likely leading to heated debates between the ruling and opposition parties, adding further intensity to Rajasthan’s political climate.