HC-ordered stadium demolition in Jhunjhunu triggers political storm

Jhunjhunu: Politics in Jhunjhunu district intensified after the administration demolished alleged encroachments at the Rajiv Gandhi Sports Stadium in Parsarampura village of Nawalgarh, acting on Rajasthan High Court orders. The stadium's boundary wall was removed using heavy machines, which authorities said had been constructed in a river flow zone.The action, carried out Wednesday amid heavy police deployment, sparked protests, detentions and sharp reactions from senior Congress members. Around 400 police personnel and administrative officers were deployed at the site to maintain law and order during the operation. As the demolition began, villagers and supporters gathered in large numbers and raised slogans against the administration. Former minister Rajkumar Sharma opposed the action and courted arrest along with several supporters. His brother, Rajpal Sharma, also courted arrest later. Police detained nearly 200 people during the protest, officials said. The issue took a political turn Thursday, with former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot condemning the move on social media. Gehlot described the use of bulldozers at the stadium built at a cost of around Rs 10 crore as "extremely unfortunate" and called it an anti-people decision. He accused the state govt of destroying development works out of political vendetta and termed the detention of ex-minister, his elderly father and hundreds of protesting villagers undemocratic. Gehlot demanded a high-level inquiry into the action. Rajasthan Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra also attacked the BJP govt, saying the demolition reflected a difference in ideology and accusing it of crushing the dreams of youth. He said the govt had damaged a sports ground but not the spirit of young people, and claimed the move would invite a political response in the future. While Congress members continue to protest, the administration has maintained that the encroachment removal was conducted in accordance with court orders and legal procedure.