Jaipur, June 15 (IANS). Former Rajasthan minister Rajendra Gudha suddenly fell ill outside Jhunjhunu Collectorate on Monday. He was leading a 22 km long march to protest against the proposal to change the name of Islampur village.
Due to walking for several hours in the scorching heat, he suffered from heatstroke and exhaustion. However, despite his health deteriorating, he refused to seek treatment and go to the hospital.
This protest march started from Islampur village on Monday morning. A large number of villagers participated in this, who are opposing the proposal to change the name of the village to ‘Shrirampur’.
After reaching the Collectorate, Rajendra Gudha suddenly fell on the road amid intense heat and humidity. His supporters immediately came forward to help him. People fanned themselves with towels and sprinkled water on their faces.
After regaining consciousness, Gudha said, “The administration did not allow us to pitch a tent. There is not even shade here. When my brother is standing in 45 degree temperature, how can I sit comfortably?”
Addressing the protesters during the padyatra, Rajendra Gudha referred to the village’s tradition of communal harmony and opposed the attempt to change the village’s identity.
Holding the hand of a local resident, he said, “We have been living together like brothers for generations. In the history of Shekhawati, Muslims had supported Rao Shekha in every war and Sufi saint Sheikh Burhan is respected in the community.”
Gudha alleged that changing the name of the village would weaken its historical and cultural identity.
He said, “If the name of the village is changed today, the name of Shekhawati will be changed tomorrow. We will not let this happen.”
The controversy started when Surajgarh MLA Rajendra Bhambu allegedly recommended changing the name of Islampur to Shrirampur and sent the proposal to the Chief Minister’s Office.
After this, the Chief Minister’s Office sought a report in this regard from Jhunjhunu district administration. After the information about the proposal came to light, the villagers started opposing it and launched a campaign.
Later a delegation of villagers submitted a memorandum to District Collector Arun Garg. Along with this, about 200 years old documents and records related to the identity and heritage of the village were also presented, which also includes the records of 1897.
Protesters say the proposal to rename the village has no historical basis and ignores the long social and cultural history of the area.
District Collector Arun Garg said that the administration has received the application regarding changing the name of Islampur and its investigation process is going on.
“The protesters have submitted old records and documents. The materials from all parties will be examined before a decision is taken,” he said.
The Collector said that the process of changing the name of the village requires approval at many levels.
After investigation at the district level, the proposal will go to the state government and after that it will also be considered by the central government.
Arun Garg said, “No decision will be taken under any kind of pressure. The decision will be taken only on the basis of available facts and records.”
–IANS
AMT/DKP