Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — The Bhajanlal Sharma-led government’s recent abolishment of Shahpura’s district status has triggered widespread protests, with the Muslim community playing a pivotal role in expressing discontent. On Wednesday, a massive rally was held, spearheaded by Qazi Syed Sharafat Ali, with hundreds of participants demanding the reinstatement of Shahpura as a district.
The rally, which started at Phuliya Gate and passed through Balaji’s Chhatri, Sadar Bazaar, and Trimurti Chowk before culminating at the Upkhand office, witnessed fervent sloganeering against the government. Protesters particularly targeted local MLA Lalaram Berwa and Chief Minister Sharma for their role in the decision.
A striking feature of the rally was the community’s solidarity. At Trimurti Chowk, the demonstrators were greeted with flowers as a gesture of support from locals. The protesters voiced their anger through slogans, blaming the government for undermining the region’s development.
“This is not just about a district status; it’s about the future of our children and the progress of Shahpura,” said Hamid Khan, a prominent community leader.
The Shahpura Advocates’ Institute played a crucial role in organising the rally. Convener Ram Prasad Jat and President Durga Lal Rajora led the Sangharsh Samiti in forming a one-kilometre human chain outside the subdivision office. The scale of the protest reflects the deep-rooted anger among residents across communities.
Ram Prasad Jat remarked, “The government’s decision has united all sections of society. This is not just a Muslim issue; it concerns everyone who believes in Shahpura’s potential as a district.”
The protest saw participation from notable Muslim figures, including councillor Issac Mohammad, Qazi Usman Chhipa, Mubarak Hussain, and Taj Mohammad Pathan. They were joined by leaders from other communities, such as Anil Verma and Avinash Sharma, symbolising a united front against the government’s decision.
“This rally represents the collective voice of Shahpura. Our demand is simple: restore the district status and prioritise the development that was underway,” said Mubarak Hussain.
The abolishment of Shahpura’s district status is part of a larger policy move by the state government, which also dissolved nine other districts and three divisions. While the government claims this reorganisation will streamline administration, the decision has faced criticism from opposition parties, local leaders, and residents alike.
Shahpura, declared a district during the previous Congress government, had seen significant development strides in education, infrastructure, and public services. Many residents feel that stripping it of district status will halt progress and marginalise the area further.
Opposition parties have also voiced strong criticism. “This move is short-sighted and regressive. It undermines the aspirations of Shahpura’s residents,” said an opposition leader.
The rally on Wednesday was the culmination of an 18-day protest that included sit-ins, marches, and public meetings involving people from diverse sections of society.
The Muslim community’s prominent role in the protests has been widely acknowledged, with leaders calling for continued unity. Qazi Syed Sharafat Ali urged residents to remain peaceful but firm in their demands.
“Our strength lies in our unity. Let’s show the government that Shahpura’s people won’t back down until justice is served,” he stated.
The residents of Shahpura are now awaiting a response from the state government. As the protests intensify, the government faces increasing pressure to address the concerns of the region and reconsider its decision.
Shahpura’s future hangs in the balance, but one thing is clear: its people are determined to fight for their district’s reinstatement.