Yogi defends Allahabad Renaming

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister defended renaming of Allahabad by giving reference to mythological villains like ‘Ravan’ and ‘Duryodhan’. He said this while speaking in an event in Haridwar. 

When I changed the name of Allahabad, some people raised questions over it. Some also said what is there in the name. So, I said why didn’t their parents name them ‘Raavan’ and ‘Duryodhan’ in that case? In this country, the name holds a lot of significance.

Yogi Adityanath

He also said that most names in India are related to “Ram” and is widely used by scheduled castes. The name Ram “connects us with our glorious tradition.” 

Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved the proposal on 16th October to change the name of Allahabad. Earlier, in 1575, Akbar changed the name of ‘Prayagraj’ to ‘Illahabad’ or ‘abode of God’. The Cabinet has rectified the mistake done by Akbar! A BJP state spokesperson gave this statement. 

Yogi also said that critics are not aware of the tradition and history of the country. 

Those who are opposing this are not aware of their history, culture and traditions and we can’t have hopes from them.

Yogi Adityanath

So, the name, which related to Islamic God is now the name of villain. Changing the name won’t do harm but it won’t do the welfare of the people either. The only thing which BJP might yield from this deed is polarizing the society and thus, fetching votes.