Party leader Bhupendra Gupta criticises the government for focusing on specific places with Urdu names and ignoring those perpetuating discrimination
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – In an important move to tackle caste-based discrimination in the state, the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav urging the immediate renaming of villages, hamlets, and schools with caste-associated names. The party stressed that such names are socially objectionable and perpetuate a discriminatory mindset, hindering the establishment of a more equal society.
The memorandum, signed by the chief spokesperson of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Bhupendra Gupta demands that names like ‘Loharpura’, ‘Dhimroula’, ‘Chamrola Khilak’, and others be changed, emphasising that they promote caste inequality and are constitutionally problematic. Gupta asserted that the state government must address the issue of caste-based naming with the same urgency it applied to renaming villages with Urdu-influenced names. “If the government is so quick to object to Urdu names, then why is there no objection to caste-indicative names that breed discrimination?” Gupta said.
Gupta’s letter argued that many of the names used in the state’s rural areas and schools “are derogatory and offensive to the weaker sections of society, including the Dalits and other marginalised communities.” He called for these names to be replaced with those inspired by saints, reformers, and national leaders to promote unity and harmony.
The memorandum listed several village and school names across Madhya Pradesh that include caste-related words, including ‘Loharpura’, ‘Bhilayat’, ‘Dhimargaon’, ‘Chamartoli’, ‘Ajjipura’, and many others. These names, the Congress spokesperson insisted, do more than just identify places; they perpetuate the stigma of caste discrimination.
“These names are a constant reminder of our social divisions and breed feelings of inferiority among the weaker sections of the population. It’s time to change them and replace them with names that foster respect and equality,” Gupta said.
The Congress party has called on the government to expedite the process of renaming these areas. It proposed the involvement of local communities in the process to ensure that new names are chosen with their consent, ensuring a sense of collective ownership of the change.
To facilitate the name-changing process, Congress suggested creating a public portal where citizens can voice their opinions and offer suggestions on the issue. The party hoped that this initiative would be a step towards achieving social justice and respect for constitutional values.
“The change in names will not only help eradicate discriminatory practices but also promote a culture of equality and fraternity,” Gupta concluded. The Congress has also highlighted that this initiative is part of the party’s ongoing commitment to strengthening social justice, as it has always worked towards empowering marginalised communities and fighting against discrimination.
The call for renaming places based on caste-related identities has triggered varied reactions across the state. Pradeep Ahirwar, the President of the SC Congress, criticised the government’s lack of sensitivity regarding caste-based names. “If the chief minister’s pen is so quick to stop on words like ‘Maulana’, why does it not stop at caste-based names that perpetuate inequality,” Ahirwar asked. He expressed concerns over the chief minister’s silence on this matter, highlighting it as a reflection of a broader insensitivity to the plight of Dalits and other disadvantaged communities.
Ahirwar also announced plans for a protest, stressing that the government must act swiftly to address these caste-related issues. “If the chief minister is committed to uniting society, he must stop using caste-indicative words and work towards eliminating caste-based discrimination,” Ahirwar stated.
Chief Minister Yadav recently announced the renaming of three villages in Ujjain district: Maulana, Ghaznikhedi, and Jahangirpur. The government’s decision to change the names of these villages came after Yadav claimed that the names were problematic due to their association with specific cultural or religious identities. Under the new changes, Maulana will become Vikram Nagar, Ghaznikhedi will be renamed Chamunda Mata Nagari, and Jahangirpur will now be known as Jagdishpur.
During the inauguration of a school in Badnagar, Ujjain, the chief minister explained that the renaming was part of an effort to match village names with regional traditions and culture. “The names of the villages have been changed to reflect our cultural heritage, and this decision has been made after considering public sentiments,” he said.
While some have welcomed the renaming as a step toward restoring cultural identity, others have voiced concerns over the political implications of the move. Many argue that it may be part of a larger agenda to appeal to certain voter bases ahead of the upcoming elections. Critics also contend that the renaming of Maulana, a name associated with religious figures, and other historically significant names, is a politically charged decision that disregards the state’s diverse cultural fabric.
The Congress party, however, remains steadfast in its stance that the issue of caste-based names should not be ignored, calling on the government to take swift action to remove all caste-based names that undermine social unity. The party maintains that it is crucial for the government to demonstrate sensitivity to the concerns of marginalised communities.
As the debate over renaming villages and schools continues, it remains to be seen how the state government will balance public sentiment with the need to promote inclusivity and equality. The Congress party’s demand for a comprehensive renaming strategy aims to address not only the names of specific villages and schools but also to create a broader environment that challenges caste-based discrimination.
Bhupendra Gupta concluded his letter to the chief minister with a call for immediate action, stating, “The government must take a decisive step towards social justice by eradicating caste-based names. This is the moment to show that we are serious about building a society based on equality, respect, and fraternity.”
The coming weeks will likely witness more discussions and protests surrounding this issue, with many hoping for a resolution that moves the state toward greater social unity and equality.
