Malerkotla Becomes 23rd District Of Punjab; Only District With Muslim Majority Population

by Shatakshi Gupta

Malerkotla became the 23rd district of Punjab. Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh announced Malerkotla as a district on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr and also appointed a new District Collector for this maiden district on Friday.

Unsettled demands finally fulfilled

CM’s declaration was fulfilment of  the pre-poll promises. As it was a long standing demand of the Muslim community and the residents of the Malerkotla town. Because this town predominantly has Muslim population. Formation of Malerkotla as a new district would seamlessly solve all the administrative problems which are being faced by the population of this town.

Also read: Who all can be the probable replacement to Rahul Gandhi

More announcements by CM

The Captain also made more announcements as gifts for the Malerkotla, annunciated about the establishment of a medical college in Malerkotla under the name of Sher Mohammad Khan. He further allocated fund of Rs 500 crore for the emplacement of this medical college. He also stated that another college for girls will be set up in this novel district at a cost of Rs. 12 crore. A bus stand, a women’s station will also be formed, which will be operated and maintained by women staff only.

History of Malerkotla

Malerkotla is the only Muslim majority area in Punjab. Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan of Malerkotla holds a reverence in the history of Punjab for his works. He raised his voice in favour of the younger Sahibzadas of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, opposing the Subedar of Sirhind.

Nawab Sher Muhammad Khan openly opposed Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s order to bring both the younger Sahibzadas, Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, who were then seven years and nine years old, into the wall alive. On finding out about this brave step of Nawab Sher Muhammad Khan, Dashmesh’s father Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji blessed him and pledged the protection of Malerkotla. Guru Sahib also sent Nawab Sher Muhammad Khan to Sri Sahib.

Earlier in January, the government approved the acquisition and preservation of the Mubarik Manzil Palace in Malerkotla. Begum Munawwar ul Nisa wrote to the state government that she is the sole owner of Mubarak Manzil Palace of Malerkotla and she has full rights to give this property to anyone including the state or the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs.