Rajasthan political dispute over 17 new districts created before state elections.

JAIPUR: It was a historic day for Rajasthan as seventeen new districts became functional on Monday. With a significant increase from 33 to 50 districts, the map of the state has undergone a major transformation in this election year. The move is set to impact over two crore people in the state, as their addresses have now been changed. To commemorate this milestone, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his ministers participated in a series of poojas and havan ceremonies. However, the opposition BJP claims that this is a gimmick aimed at improving the chances of Congress candidates in the upcoming elections.

The Gehlot government recently issued a notification for the formation of 19 new districts and three new divisions. Consequently, the state now comprises 50 districts and 10 divisions, compared to the earlier 33 districts and seven divisions. Since Jaipur and Jodhpur districts already existed, only 17 new districts have been created. The newly formed districts are Anupgarh, Balotra, Beawar, Kekri, Jaipur Rural, Dudu, Kotputli-Behror, Neem Ka Thana, Khairthal-Tijara, Sanchore, Didwana-Kuchaman, Shahpura, Jodhpur Rural, Phalodi, Salumber, Gangapur City and Digg.

Political experts view this move as an attempt by the Gehlot government to shift the political narrative in its favour during the election year. Several districts, such as Beawar, Kotputli-Behror, Neem Ka Thana, Balotra, Didwana-Kuchaman and Phalodi, had long-standing demands for separate districts. By fulfilling these popular demands, the Gehlot government aims to create a favourable political atmosphere ahead of the elections. The newly created districts have also been assigned their headquarters. Both Jaipur Rural and Jaipur districts will have their headquarters in Jaipur, while Jodhpur and Jodhpur Rural will maintain their headquarters in Jodhpur.

However, the inauguration of the new districts has intensified the political rivalry between the Congress and the BJP. CM Gehlot, during a digital unveiling of the inauguration plaques at Jaipur’s Birla Auditorium, criticised Prime Minister Modi and the BJP. He expressed concern over the PM’s remarks associating Rajasthan with violent incidents in Manipur and emphasised that the Prime Minister represents the entire country, not just a particular party or community. Gehlot said, “By the speeches and ‘body language’ of the PM, it seems as if he is the Prime Minister of a party and only Hindus, this is a very dangerous thing.” Gehlot said that Modi has been elected Prime Minister in a democracy and Congress has established democracy in the country and kept it alive.