Bandh at Sardar Patel's hometown for inclusion in JNNURM

As Gujarat celebrated its foundation day today, Karamsad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's native place in Anand district, observed a 'bandh' to press the demand of inclusion in the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).

The call for shut-down was given by Karamsad Heet-rakshak Samiti, an organisation formed by some elderly residents of the town.

Major markets and commercial establishments remained shut, said Rakesh Patel, one of the agitators.

"People joined in the bandh voluntarily. Though we had appealed vegetable and milk vendors to keep their businesses open so that people do not suffer, they too joined in by lowering the shutters halfway," said Patel.

The agitation started yesterday with three residents - Bipin Patel, Jagdish Patel and Mahendra Patel - sitting on a fast unto death.

To give them moral support, around ten residents would sit on a symbolic hunger strike every day, said Rakesh Patel.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first home minister, was born at Nadiad, but his early schooling took place in Karamsad.

"Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, got this status (inclusion in the JNNURM) many years ago, but Karamsad, with a population of 40,000, is not given that status yet," Rakesh Patel had said yesterday.

"It would help us in getting Central funds for infrastructure as well as for maintaining the Sardar Patel Memorial here. Above all, it will put Karamsad on the national map. We want recognition for this town. Otherwise its identity (as Sardar Patel's hometown) will fade away," he had said.