As BJP finalises names of right-wing ideologues ahead of renaming spree in Lucknow, SP says govt 'promoting particular ideology'

According to the proposals sent to the UP government, names of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee and VHP leader Ashok Singhal are among those suggested.

TN National Desk

Updated Sep 25, 2022, 10:56 IST

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

Photo : PTI

Lucknow: The Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) has decided to rename several public places and crossings in the city after right-wing ideologues and freedom fighters ahead of the civic body polls later this year, but the BJP-dominated body maintains the move has nothing to do with politics.

Meanwhile, the Opposition has described the LMC's move as "politically motivated" and only to "promote a particular ideology".

According to the proposals sent to the UP government, names of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee and VHP leader Ashok Singhal are among those suggested.

The LMC's executive committee approved the proposal to rechristen the Burlington Crossing in Lucknow after Singhal, who is known for his hardline Hindutva views. He was also at the forefront of the Ram Mandir movement in Ayodhya.

The civic body has decided to change the name of a gate at Sarvodaya Nagar. It has been named as Swatantra Vinayak Damodar Savarkar Dwar, who was a leading figure in the Hindu Mahasabha.

The committee also gave the green signal to name Nirala Nagar's Tikona Park after Syama Prasad Mookerjee.

The Sanjay Gandhi Puram crossing has been renamed as Chandra Shekhar Azad crossing, Ram Bhawan crossing at Viram Khand renamed after Major Kamal Kalia while Azad Nagar Colony Park at Sarojini Nagar has been named after Mangal Pandey, a hero of the 1857 revolt against the British.

The civic body executive committee has also cleared naming the mini-stadium at Rajajipuram after former MLA Suresh Srivastava.

When asked if name changing has been done keeping in mind the upcoming MC elections, Lucknow Mayor Sanyukta Bhatia said it must not be related to politics and several aspects were considered before taking the decision.

Some names indicate the British legacy, which should be replaced with names of freedom fighters, the mayor said.

Sayyed Yawar Hussain Reshu, the leader of opposition in the Lucknow Municipal Corporation, termed the move "purely political".

Without taking any name, the SP leader said, "Many of the crossings and public places have been named after people who had nothing do to with the city or its culture." "Some of them are only known for promoting a particular ideology. This reinforces the need for specific guidelines while renaming or naming places in the city in the future," he said.

Latest News