A day after the Gujarat government announced the formation of a new district, Vav-Tharad, Dhanera, Kankrej, and Diyodar talukas are up in arms against the government's decision to include them in Vav-Tharad.

Leaders including Kankrej MLA Amrutji Thakor and Dhanera MLA Mavji Desai have demanded inclusion of their talukas in Banaskantha.

Demand to stay in Banaskantha 

Following the division, tension is brewing in the talukas of Dhanera, Kankrej, and Deesa which have been included in the new Vav-Tharad district.

Residents of these talukas have voiced their opposition to the inclusion, demanding that they remain in Banaskantha.

In protest, shopkeepers in Sihori downed their shutters, observing a complete bandh (shutdown). The controversy continues to escalate, with people taking to the streets and issuing warnings of protests.

Dhanera MLA Mavji Desai has written a letter to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel requesting the inclusion of Dhanera in Banaskantha. In the letter, he stated that the people of Dhanera taluka are closely connected with Banaskantha.

He also mentioned that the majority of the residents of Dhanera find it convenient to conduct their businesses and livelihoods, as well as for students to travel to Palanpur and Ahmedabad for education.

Former Dhanera MLA Nathalal Patel expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, stating that residents of Dhanera prefer staying in Banaskantha rather than being included in Vav-Tharad.

He emphasised that Tharad is not a convenient area for Dhanera residents. He warned that if the government does not reconsider, people may launch protests, with the Congress party supporting them.

The Banaskantha division

The protest comes a day after state government spokesperson Rishikesh Patel announced the new Vav-Tharad district on Wednesday.

He mentioned that out of 14 talukas in Banaskantha, 8 talukas—Vav, Bhabhar, Tharad, Dhanera, Suigam, Lakhani, Diyodar, and Kankrej—will be part of the new district.

Moreover, the municipalities of Bhabhar, Tharad, Thara, and Dhanera will also be included.

The remaining six talukas of Banaskantha—Palanpur, Danta, Amirgadh, Dantiwada, Vadgam, and Deesa—will continue to be part of Banaskantha. The municipalities of Palanpur and Deesa will also remain in the district.

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Since formation of Gujarat, seventh time a new district has been formed