Jaipur: 'Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan' Renamed in Honor of Ahilya Bai Holkar, Ignites Political Controversy
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Synopsis
The renaming of 'Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan' to 'Punyashlok Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Bhawan' by the BJP-led government has ignited a political controversy. Opposition leader Tika Ram Jully criticizes the move as a reflection of the BJP's narrow-mindedness and emphasizes Rajiv Gandhi's contributions to India's education.
Key Takeaways
- Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan renamed to Punyashlok Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Bhawan.
- This action has sparked political debates in Jaipur.
- Opposition leader criticizes BJP's motives behind the renaming.
- Rajiv Gandhi's contributions to educational reforms highlighted.
- BJP's history of renaming initiatives under scrutiny.
Jaipur, April 25 (NationPress) The ‘Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan’, situated within the Shiksha Sankul complex, has been rebranded as ‘Punyashlok Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Bhawan’. This decision, made by the BJP-led administration under Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, has triggered a renewed political discourse.
Leader of Opposition and prominent Congress figure Tika Ram Jully has vocally criticized this action, deeming it a manifestation of the BJP’s “narrow-mindedness.”
He paid homage to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, underscoring his significant contributions to India’s educational reforms.
Expressing his thoughts on the social media platform X, Jully remarked: "Altering the name of a building honoring our esteemed leader Rajiv Gandhi, who sacrificed his life for peace in the Indian subcontinent, illustrates the BJP's limited perspective. I unequivocally denounce this.”
He also pointed out that this is not the first occurrence of such a change, recalling that during Rajiv Gandhi's era, India saw the introduction of a new education policy and transformative initiatives like Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas.
“The Ministry of Education was also restructured into the Ministry of Human Resource Development under his guidance,” he added.
Jully claimed this is the second instance where the BJP has sought to rename the Shiksha Sankul.
The BJP administration has renamed numerous schemes and structures introduced during Congress governance.
Noteworthy examples include the Mukhyamantri Bal Gopal Dudh Yojana transformed into Pannadhay Bal Gopal Yojana, Indira Gandhi Udaan Yojana now called Kalibai Bhil Udaan Yojana, Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence renamed to Swami Vivekananda Scholarship, and Indira Rasoi changed to Annapurna Rasoi. Even the hue of bicycles distributed to schoolgirls has been reportedly modified.
Jully stated: “It seems the BJP lacks confidence in its ability to initiate new developmental projects, resorting instead to rebranding the achievements of prior administrations.”
Government insiders assert that the renaming initiative aims to pay tribute to historical and inspirational Indian figures.
Ahilya Bai Holkar, after whom the building is now named, was a distinguished Maratha monarch lauded for her administrative prowess and social reforms.
The BJP contends that honoring such individuals fosters a connection between the populace and their local and cultural heritage.
