New Delhi: A major controversy has erupted in the national capital over the renaming of Sarai Kale Khan Chowk to Birsa Munda on Friday. Though the announcement was made by Union Minister of Urban Development Manohar Khattar, the Delhi government has highlighted that a State Naming Authority is required to change the name of any place, sources told Times Now. Highlighting that there is no such panel established in Delhi yet, the government officials asked “where the order came from then”.
Officials also noted that the road comes under the control of Public Works Department (PWD), which works under the Delhi government. They added that it was not the Delhi Government who allowed renaming of Delhi's prominent spot, as they were unaware of any such order being passed.
"There is no State Naming Authority in Delhi yet, so where did the permission for the name Birsa Munda Chowk come from? The road belongs to Public Works Department (PWD) under the Delhi Government. There must have been some order issued to change the name," sources revealed.
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"I am announcing today that the big chowk outside the ISBT bus stand here will be known after Bhagwan Birsa Munda," announced Manohar Lal Khattar, asserting that the decision was taken to honour the Jharkhand-born Birsa Munda.
"Seeing this statue and the name of that chowk, not only the citizens of Delhi but also the people visiting the International Bus stand will definitely be inspired by his life," Khattar added.
'PM Modi-led Centre is Bringing Tribal Communities to Mainstream': Uttrakhand CM Dhami
Meanwhile, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the renaming of the prime spot in Delhi. He added that the central government under the PM Modi's supervision is working effectively to bring tribal communities to "mainstream".
The Sarai Kale Khan Chowk, near Delhi's ISBT terminal, has been renamed to Birsa Munda Chowk, said, "I thank the prime minister and congratulate all… It is a proud day and decision for the entire country…" Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami says, "…5 tribal communities live in our state. Our state government, the central government under the leadership of PM Modi are running many schemes to bring all those communities to mainstream and provide them the facilities like education…"
#WATCH | Dehradun | The Sarai Kale Khan Chowk, near Delhi’s ISBT terminal, has been renamed to Birsa Munda Chowk, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami says, “I thank the prime minister and congratulate all… It’s a proud day and decision for the entire country…” Uttarakhand CM… pic.twitter.com/FS4f6zhfw4
— ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2024
Who was Birsa Munda?
He was a freedom fighter who stood against the British Rule in 1900s. Today marked his 150th birth anniversary of Munda who advocated for the rights of tribal, inspiring the community of the Chotanagpur region to fight for their independence. Munda had also led the armed revolution known as "Ulgulan" (the rebellion) against British Rule.