The Chief of Kukshi Zilla Banao Andolan, Someshwar Patidar, has requested President Droupadi Murmu to grant him permission for euthanasia. Patidar has been sitting on an indefinite hunger strike since May 31 at Maa Gayantri temple premises to convey his demand for Kukshi to be recognized as a new district. He is surviving only on water and is not receiving support from locals or social organizations in the area.
The state government is being accused of ignoring the plight of the tribals in the region. Patidar believes that his death might compel the Madhya Pradesh government to make Kukshi a district at the earliest and hence has written a letter to the President to seek permission for euthanasia.
The letter stated that there has been a demand to make Kukshi a separate district from Dhar through various activities over the years. They have also received support from socio-religious political organisations and have submitted demand proposal letters for point-wise information several times to the government. A memorandum was also handed over through a signature campaign, and they travelled approximately 800 kilometres from Kukshi to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur on bicycles to draw attention from the government.
Dr Abhishek Rawat, who is examining Patidar’s health, has claimed that his health has begun to deteriorate considerably. Patidar has lost a significant amount of weight, and his ketone level has also raised to four-plus. If his health does not improve, he may go into a coma.
Despite remaining silent for 112 days, Patidar is still being ignored by the government. His fight for recognizing Kukshi as a new district highlights the neglect of the tribals in the region. It is essential to address their grievances and make progress towards a more equitable society.
