The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Rajasthan): In Rajasthan’s Jalore district, an anti-encroachment drive led by the district administration and police faced significant resistance from villagers, including many women who pleaded with the authorities to spare their homes. The operation took place in Odwada village and required additional police deployment to maintain law and order.
Jalore SP Gyan Chandra Yadav explained that the action was carried out according to a high court directive to remove encroachments, including residential structures. When the team arrived, villagers blocked the road and protested, preventing the team from entering. Additional policemen were brought in, and the anti-encroachment drive proceeded with the use of earthmoving machines.
The drive drew strong criticism from the opposition Congress party in Rajasthan. State Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra condemned the BJP government for the operation, describing it as “shameful” and highlighting the suffering of the villagers in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Vaibhav Gehlot, son of former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and a Congress leader, criticized the demolition of 440 houses, emphasizing that families had lived there for years. He argued that the houses were previously spared due to effective advocacy during the Congress government and suggested that inadequate legal representation might have led to the unfavorable high court decision. Gehlot called on the Jalore Collector to file an appeal and halt the demolitions until the Supreme Court rules on the matter.
Former Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister and Congress leader Sachin Pilot also condemned the treatment of the protesting villagers, particularly the women. He urged the government to seek immediate judicial relief for the affected families and called for resolving the issue through peaceful dialogue.