“The Assam government’s decision to remove the name of Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed from the Barpeta Medical College is extremely unfortunate and deeply hurtful to the sentiments of the people of Assam,” Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said.
GUWAHATI — The BJP-led government in Assam on Tuesday decided to remove the name of former President, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed from a medical college in minority-dominated Barpeta district, a move that invited anger of the Opposition Congress and AIUDF ahead of next month’s Assembly elections.
Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College was set up in 2011 and it began offering undergraduate courses in 2012, when Congress was in power in Assam. The college even started offering post-graduate courses in 2019, three years after BJP formed their first first government in Assam with Sarbananda Sonowal as the CM. Sarma replaced Sonowal in 2021, when BJP came to power for the second straight term.
The move to drop Ali Ahmed’s name from the medical college in Barpeta, however, invited anger from the Opposition Congress and Badruddin Ajmed-led AIUDF. “Entire Muslim society is hurt by this act. Those who have been targeting the Muslims in Assam by repeatedly calling them Miyas have done so. What benefit or peace he has got by removing the name?” Ajmal asked. “I was an MP when the medical college was set up and I also tried hard to have this medical college in Barpeta.” Ajmal was an MP from Dhubri, another Muslim-majority constituency.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Thursday strongly criticised the Assam government’s reported decision to remove the name of former President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed from the Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital in Barpeta, calling the move an insult to a distinguished Assamese personality and freedom fighter.
In a statement posted on social media, Gogoi expressed deep concern over the decision, alleging that the move undermines the legacy of one of Assam’s most prominent figures.
He said that Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed was not only a respected freedom fighter but also the first Assamese to serve as the President of India.
Ahmed, who served as the fifth President of India from 1974 until his death in 1977, is remembered for his contributions to the country and for representing Assam at the highest constitutional office.
Gogoi said removing his name from the Barpeta Medical College raises serious questions about the rationale behind the government’s decision. “The Assam government’s decision to remove the name of Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed from the Barpeta Medical College is extremely unfortunate and deeply hurtful to the sentiments of the people of Assam,” Gogoi said.
He further alleged that the move may be politically motivated and questioned whether the state government was attempting to pursue divisive politics for electoral gains.
According to the Congress leader, such actions risk erasing the legacy of eminent Assamese personalities who have contributed significantly to the nation.
Gogoi said the decision not only disrespects a former President but also undermines the contributions of a prominent freedom fighter and an eminent son of Assam who served the nation with distinction.
Calling on the state government to reconsider the move, Gogoi urged the authorities to retain the name of Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed for the Barpeta Medical College. He also emphasised that honouring the contributions of great personalities from Assam and preserving their legacy is the collective responsibility of the people of the state.
Congress leader, Pawan Khera also condemned the Act. “People of Assam are watching all these and they will give a fitting reply in the Assembly elections by removing Himanta Biswa Sarma from power,” he said.
Earlier on Wednesday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma defended the state cabinet’s decision to rename the Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital, saying the move was taken to maintain uniformity in the naming pattern of government medical colleges across the state.
— With inputs from IANS
