Jaipur, June 16: Former Rajasthan minister Rajendra Gudha collapsed outside the Jhunjhunu collectorate on Monday. He was leading a 22-kilometer march against the proposal to rename Islamgarh village.
The intense heat caused him to suffer from heat exhaustion. Despite his deteriorating health, he refused medical treatment or a hospital visit.
The protest march began in Islamgarh village, with a large number of locals opposing the name change to ‘Shri Ramgarh.’
Upon reaching the collectorate, Gudha suddenly fell on the road due to the extreme heat and humidity. Supporters rushed to assist him, fanning him with towels and splashing water on his face.
Once he regained consciousness, Gudha expressed frustration, stating, “The administration did not allow us to set up tents. There is no shade here. How can I sit comfortably when my brothers stand in 45-degree heat?”
While addressing the protesters during the march, Gudha highlighted the village’s tradition of communal harmony and opposed any attempts to alter its identity.
He held the hand of a local resident and remarked, “We have lived together like brothers for generations. In the history of Shekhawati, Muslims have supported Rao Shekha in every battle, and the Sufi saint Sheikh Burhan is respected in our community.”
Gudha accused the government of undermining the village’s historical and cultural identity through the proposed name change.
He warned, “If the village name changes today, tomorrow they will change the name of Shekhawati. We will not allow that.”
The controversy began when Surajgarh MLA Rajendra Bhambu allegedly recommended renaming Islamgarh to Shri Ramgarh and sent the proposal to the Chief Minister‘s office.
Following this, the Chief Minister’s office requested a report from the Jhunjhunu district administration regarding the matter. Upon learning of the proposal, villagers began their protests and launched a campaign against it.
Later, a delegation of villagers submitted a memorandum to District Collector Arun Garg, presenting nearly 200-year-old documents and records related to the village’s identity and heritage, including records from 1897.
Protesters argue that the proposal lacks historical basis and ignores the region’s rich social and cultural history.
District Collector Arun Garg confirmed that the administration has received the application to rename Islamgarh and that the investigation process is ongoing.
He stated, “The protesters have submitted old records and documents. All materials will be reviewed before making a decision.”
Garg noted that changing the village name requires approval at multiple levels. After district-level scrutiny, the proposal will go to the state government and then to the central government for consideration.
He assured, “No decision will be made under any pressure. The decision will be based solely on available facts and records.”
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