Thanks to BJP led municipal corporation, some 100 roads to be named after Hindutva leaders

From: Indian Express

MCD to name roads after Parivar icons, BJP leaders

Posted: Tue Oct 11 2011, 02:58 hrs New Delhi:

Ahead of next year’s municipal elections, the BJP-led Municipal Corporation of Delhi has decided to leave its mark, all set in concrete. The civic agency is in the process of naming 100 roads, streets and parks, a majority after the names of RSS and BJP stalwarts.

The only Congress representation in the list is Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru — a park in B-1 Block of Madangir is being named after him.

Of the RSS bigwigs, its founder K B Hedgewar finds maximum mention. The MCD has decided to name the IP Extension-Shivpuri intersection, the entrance (swagat dwar) on Sudesh Marg in Rajouri Garden, and a park in New Seelampur after the Sangh Parivar icon.

A park in Subhash Nagar and an MCD canteen in Rohini Sector-3 will be named after Veer Savarkar while the road connecting Rohini and Samaypur Badli will be dedicated to Deen Dayal Upadhyay.

BJP leaders who have found their way in the list include former Delhi Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma (road in Rajiv Nagar), former MLA Puran Chand Yogi (main gate of Inderpuri and road leading from the gate) and former Delhi BJP chief Mukund Lal Katyal (a park in Tagore Garden).

Over two dozen roads, streets and parks in the city have also been named after gods and saints.

Congress leaders in MCD said the road naming spree was only an attempt to saffronise the national capital. “City roads and parks should be named after local social workers, landmarks and national leaders who have contributed to the development of the nation. This is nothing but a cheap attempt at gaining political mileage out of a social cause,” said Jai Kishan Sharma, Leader of Opposition in MCD.

But the BJP brushed aside the allegations. “We have several leaders who have not received their deserved share of recognition at the national stage. We have been approached by councillors to suggest names of streets and parks. Unlike the Congress, we do have an option of calling on the contribution of people other than those confined to the Nehru-Gandhi family,” said Mayor Rajni Abbi, who is also Chairperson of the Naming and Renaming Committee.