No Controversy, Assert 2 BJP MPs Using Swami Vivekanand Marg in Tughlak Lane, Delhi
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Synopsis
Two BJP MPs in New Delhi's Tughlaq Lane assert that displaying nameplates with 'Swami Vivekanand Marg' is not controversial but rather a mark of respect for the leader. They aim for official recognition of the name change, dismissing allegations of politically motivated actions.
Key Takeaways
- MPs Dinesh Sharma and Krishan Pal Gurjar defend their use of 'Swami Vivekanand Marg'.
- They assert the name change reflects admiration for Swami Vivekanand.
- The initiative is framed as a new beginning under Prime Minister Modi.
- Gurjar plans to pursue official recognition for the name change.
- Criticism of opposing parties for their historical figures.
New Delhi, March 7 (NationPress) Describing it as a ‘new beginning’, two BJP MPs residing in official bungalows on New Delhi’s Tughlaq Lane asserted on Friday that they did not aim to stir controversy by displaying nameplates with the address 'Swami Vivekanand Marg (Tughlak Lane)'.
In the face of accusations regarding involvement in controversial name-change politics, MPs Dinesh Sharma and Krishan Pal Gurjar claimed that their actions were not intended for media attention but were instead a representation of their and the public’s esteem for Swami Vivekanand.
Dinesh Sharma’s residence is marked as 6, Swami Vivekanand Marg (Tughlak Lane), while Gurjar’s nameplate indicates his address as 8, Vivekanand Marg (Tughlak Lane).
Sharma, who shared a message on social media following a prayer and housewarming ceremony for his nameplate, told IANS, “There is nothing controversial. If you look on Google Maps, the location is identified as Swami Vivekanand Marg.”
“Having served as Mayor for 11 years, I understand the procedure for renaming roads,” stated the Rajya Sabha member from Uttar Pradesh, regarding it as an expression of their respect for Swami Vivekanand.
“This is not a ‘Hindu-Muslim’ issue; it should be regarded as a new initiative,” he mentioned.
The call to rename streets associated with Mughal rulers is not novel. In 2015, Aurangzeb Road, located near Tughlak Lane, was renamed A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Road following the approval of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).
In the same year, BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay proposed renaming Shahjahan Road as Dashrath Manjhi Road.
Gurjar, representing Faridabad in the Lok Sabha, refuted claims of engaging in name-change politics. “This is not about name changes but an expression of our respect for Swami Vivekanand,” he stated, acknowledging the absence of official endorsement for the alteration.
“We intend to pursue official changes and will initiate discussions with the relevant authorities,” he added.
He characterized this as part of a new initiative under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting, “Thousands of outdated laws have been abolished by the government. Although old customs will persist, neglecting our role models would be unjust.”
Gurjar also dismissed allegations of rushing into the name change, emphasizing his faith in Swami Vivekanand, which led him to display the great leader’s name outside.
He criticized opposing parties for praising Aurangzeb, who brutally killed his brother and did not spare his father. “Commending such a figure is regrettable,” he remarked.
Congress MP Imran Masood claimed that a politics of division and animosity was being propagated in the country through such actions. “There are far more significant issues to address than road renaming antics,” Masood told IANS.
