‘Well-planned conspiracy’: In Barmer, Congress protests against proposed redrawing of district boundaries
The protest follows a state government notification issued on December 31, 2025, under which the Dhorimanna and Gudamalani sub-divisions were removed from Barmer district and merged into Balotra, e the Baytu sub-division was moved back to Barmer.
Later, all the leaders travelled together in a single vehicle to the SDM office as part of the rally where a large crowd had gathered, and gave him a memorandum of their demands. (File Photo)
The Congress Wednesday held a ‘Jan Aakrosh Rally’ in Dhorimanna in Rajasthan’s Barmer district to protest against the proposed changes in the boundaries of Barmer and Balotra districts, party leaders said.
Senior Congress leader Hemaram Choudhary has been sitting on a dharna in Dhorimanna for the past 11 days against the proposed changes, alleging that the changes in the boundaries were part of a “well-planned conspiracy”. Several party leaders have extended their support to Choudhary.
The protest follows a state government notification issued on December 31, 2025, under which the Dhorimanna and Gudamalani sub-divisions were removed from Barmer district and merged into Balotra, e the Baytu sub-division was moved back to Barmer.
State Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra, Leader of the Opposition Tikaram Jully, former deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot, MP Ummedaram Beniwal, and senior leader Harish Chaudhary reached the protest site — in front of the power plant in Dhorimanna Wednesday, a key location along the national highway connecting Barmer and Sanchore.
Addressing the gathering, Rajasthan Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra alleged that the ruling BJP was acting in an “authoritarian” manner in the name of delimitation and Special Intensive Revision (SIR). “There is no need to bow before such rulers. This fight is not limited to Gudamalani or Dhorimanna, but concerns the entire state,” he said. He further referred to Chaudhary as a “young tiger”, and said that had the warnings been heeded earlier, the situation could have been avoided.
Jully, meanwhile, cautioned people against what he termed a political “trick,” saying those behind it would lose their positions. He said people should not be misled by “slips and assurances”, claiming that the BJP government had favoured its “industrialist friends” by allocating land in Barmer and Jaisalmer. “In the coming days, the people of Rajasthan will respond.” He praised Chaudhary for fighting for public rights, even amidst harsh winter conditions.
Pilot, in his address, said that during the previous Congress government, suggestions were made to keep population norms inclusive during delimitation. He said the party would raise the issue forcefully in the Assembly, and claimed that the Congress would return to power in the state within the next 35 months. Describing Chaudhary as a “symbol of honesty and integrity”, he said that there were no other instances in Rajasthan where district boundaries had been altered in such a manner.
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Harish Chaudhary, too, alleged that the public was being misled through backdated orders, claiming even officials appeared uncertain when questioned about the changes.
Later, all the leaders travelled together in a single vehicle to the SDM office as part of the rally where a large crowd had gathered, and gave him a memorandum of their demands. The Congress leaders demanded that the proposed changes to the boundaries of Barmer and Balotra districts be withdrawn, warning of intensified protests if their demands were not met.
The protest saw participation of more than 10,000 Congress workers and local residents, as opposition to the boundary changes continues to gain momentum in the region.
Parul Kulshrestha is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Rajasthan. A lawyer turned journalist, she brings a unique cross-disciplinary perspective to her reporting, blending legal precision with deep social inquiry to cover one of India's most culturally and politically vibrant regions.
Expertise and Experience
Legal-Journalistic Synergy: Parul’s transition from a legal background to mainstream journalism provides her with a distinct advantage in interpreting policy, legislation, and judicial impacts. This expertise allows her to "read between the lines" of government orders and court rulings affecting the public.
Diverse Beat: With years of experience across both mainstream newsrooms and independent journalism, she has built high-level authority in several critical areas:
Nomadic Tribes & Marginalized Communities: She is recognized for her sensitive and in-depth reporting on the struggles and rights of Rajasthan's nomadic populations, often giving a voice to those outside the traditional political spotlight.
Gender & Social Justice: Parul focuses on the intersection of law and gender, covering issues ranging from women’s safety and reproductive rights to the socio-economic empowerment of rural women.
Environmental & Political Reporting: She tracks Rajasthan’s complex political landscape—including electoral shifts and bureaucratic changes—alongside critical environmental concerns like water scarcity and land use.
Academic & Professional Pedigree: Her background as a lawyer, combined with her rise to the rank of Principal Correspondent at a national broadsheet, establishes her as a senior voice in the media landscape. ... Read More
