A political and social controversy has intensified in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district over a proposal to change the name of Islampur village to Shrirampur.
On Monday morning, hundreds of villagers took out a nearly 15-kilometre-long padyatra from Ambedkar Park in Islampur to the Jhunjhunu Collectorate, protesting against the proposed name change. Residents from Islampur and nearby villages participated in large numbers, holding placards and raising slogans against the decision.
The protestors strongly opposed the move, saying the village has been known as Islampur for decades and any change without local consent is unacceptable.
Locals Say Name Change Hurts Sentiments
Villagers said the proposed renaming goes against their cultural and emotional identity. They argued that the name Islampur has historical recognition and changing it would disturb local harmony and tradition.
“We will not allow the name of our village to be changed at any cost,” protestors said during the march, warning of further agitation if their demands are ignored.
Political Leaders Join Protest
Several political and social leaders joined the demonstration, including former Rajasthan minister Rajendra Singh Gudha, Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) district president Rajendra Fauji, and local sarpanch Amin Maniyar.
Gudha strongly criticised both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, accusing them of using the issue for political gains.
“This is being done for political advantage. Rajasthan has its own identity and culture, and it must be protected,” Gudha said, alleging that such controversies are being raised to divert attention from public issues.
Administration Monitoring Situation
The protest march is expected to reach the Jhunjhunu Collectorate after a few hours. District administration officials and police forces have been deployed along the route to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident.
Authorities are also expected to hold discussions with villagers in an attempt to resolve the dispute through dialogue.
Protesters Warn of Indefinite Agitation
Protest leaders have warned that if the administration does not withdraw or reconsider the proposal, they will launch an indefinite strike.
They further said the agitation will be intensified if no “positive and concrete solution” is reached.
