BJP MLA Karnail Singh suggests renaming Shakur Basti in Delhi to Shrirampuram, triggering fresh debate
NEW DELHI — The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is facing severe criticism after its leaders in Delhi have intensified efforts to rename several areas with Muslim-sounding names. The latest to draw attention is Shakur Basti, where BJP MLA Karnail Singh has been demanding a name change to ‘Shrirampuram’, claiming public support for the move.
Karnail Singh, who won the Shakur Basti Assembly seat by defeating senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former minister Satyendar Jain, is now running a local campaign to gather feedback on the proposed name change. “We are going among the people with a form to know their views. If the public agrees, I will take this demand forward in the assembly,” Singh told media personnel recently.
He added, “The current name of this area has no connection with our culture. People want change. Shrirampuram reflects our traditions better.”
Singh’s move is being seen as part of a wider trend within BJP-ruled states and now in Delhi, where there has been a push to rename places with Urdu or Muslim roots. Critics have accused the party of playing divisive politics, while supporters argue it is about restoring cultural identity.
In recent weeks, several BJP leaders in Delhi have raised similar demands. Delhi’s new Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, had earlier proposed renaming the historic Old Delhi Railway Station to ‘Maharaja Agrasen Railway Station’. She claimed that Maharaja Agrasen had a deep connection with the city’s history and deserved such recognition.
“Delhi must honour those who helped shape it. Maharaja Agrasen’s contribution is significant and cannot be ignored,” said Rekha Gupta in a statement.
Following this, Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal sent a letter to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw urging him to rename the New Delhi Railway Station after former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Khandelwal said, “Atal Ji gave a new vision to India. Naming the New Delhi station after him will be a fitting tribute to his leadership.”
Adding to the list, Delhi Assembly’s Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bist has also voiced a similar demand, calling for the renaming of the Mustafabad Assembly seat. Bist claimed that the name Mustafabad was added in 2008 for political reasons, not because of any historical or religious figure.
“This name was given by a property dealer and does not hold any historical value,” Bist claimed. “It should be reviewed.”
While none of these proposals have been officially approved yet, the moves have triggered strong reactions across the political spectrum.
Delhi Congress spokesperson Anil Bhardwaj said, “The BJP government should focus on basic issues like water, electricity, schools, and health. Changing names will not solve the real problems of the people.”
Aam Aadmi Party leader and former MLA Amanatullah Khan also criticised the campaign, saying, “This is just another attempt to change the narrative. People are suffering due to inflation and unemployment. Instead of addressing those concerns, the BJP is busy changing names.”
Residents in the Shakur Basti area remain divided. Ramesh Choudhary, a local shopkeeper, said, “We don’t care about the name. What we need is better roads and clean water.”
However, another resident, Nand Kishore, supported the proposal. “Shakur Basti doesn’t reflect our culture. Shrirampuram sounds better and connects us with our roots.”
Social activists warn that such campaigns may disturb communal harmony in the city. “Changing the names of areas that have existed for decades only creates unrest. Let people live peacefully,” said human rights lawyer Farah Naqvi.
Despite the criticism, MLA Karnail Singh appears firm. “If people want change, we must listen. We are not forcing anyone, we are asking,” he insisted.
As the political temperature rises over this naming row, all eyes are on whether the Delhi government and central authorities will move forward with these proposals or keep them on hold amid growing public scrutiny.
