Jaipur, June 15 (IANS) Former Rajasthan minister Rajendra Gudha on Monday fell ill and collapsed outside the Jhunjhunu Collectorate after leading a 22-km foot march against the proposed renaming of Islampur village.

Despite suffering from heat exhaustion after hours of marching in scorching temperatures, Gudha refused medical treatment and declined to be taken to hospital.

The protest march, which began from Islampur on Monday morning, drew a large number of villagers opposing a proposal to rename the village as “Shrirampur”.

After reaching the Collectorate, Gudha suddenly collapsed on the road amid intense heat and humidity.

Supporters rushed to his aid, fanning him with towels and splashing water on his face.

“The administration did not allow us to put up a tent. There is no shade here. How can I sit in comfort when my brothers are standing in 45-degree heat?” Gudha said after regaining composure.

Addressing protesters during the march, Gudha highlighted the village’s communal harmony and opposed any move to alter its identity.

Holding the hand of a local resident, he said: “This is Karma Bhai. He is a Muslim Rajput and I am a Hindu Rajput. We have lived here as brothers for generations. In the history of Shekhawati, Muslims fought alongside Rao Shekha in every battle, and Sufi saint Sheikh Burhan is revered by the community.”

Gudha alleged that changing the village’s name would undermine its historical and cultural identity.

“If they change the village’s name today, tomorrow they will change the name of Shekhawati. We will not allow that to happen,” he said.

The controversy began after Surajgarh MLA Rajendra Bhambu reportedly recommended renaming Islampur as Shrirampur and forwarded the proposal to the Chief Minister’s Office.

Following the recommendation, the Chief Minister’s Office sought a report from the Jhunjhunu district administration.

News of the proposal triggered protests among villagers, who launched a campaign against the move.

A delegation of villagers later submitted a memorandum to District Collector Arun Garg, along with historical records and documents dating back nearly 200 years, including records from 1897, to support their claim regarding the village’s identity and heritage.

The protesters argued that the proposed renaming lacked historical justification and ignored the area’s long-standing social and cultural history.

District Collector Arun Garg said the administration had received an application seeking the renaming of Islampur and that the verification process was underway.

“The protesters have submitted old records and documents. Material from all sides will be examined before any decision is taken,” he said.

The Collector added that the renaming process involves multiple stages and approvals.

After examination at the district level, the proposal would have to be considered by the state government and, subsequently, the Central government.

“No decision will be taken under pressure. The matter will be decided strictly on the basis of facts and available records,” Garg said.

–IANS

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