BJP opposes renaming Kadapa centre after Tipu Sultan
NEW DELHI — A dispute over the proposed renaming of a traffic junction in Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh triggered communal tension and incidents of stone pelting on Saturday, raising concerns over law and order in the region.
According to reports, the controversy erupted over the renaming of Almaspet Circle as Tipu Sultan Circle by the local Muslims, claiming they had administrative permission.
The move was opposed by local right-wing affiliated groups strongly who demanded that the junction be named Hanuman Circle, reports Siasat Daily.
The disagreement quickly escalated into a heated confrontation, with both sides engaging in sloganeering before the situation turned violent.
The situation turned explosive on Saturday after the right-wing supporters tried to install a 30-foot Hanuman statue at the circle, angering the Muslim community.
Eyewitnesses said that groups from both communities gathered in large numbers, leading to clashes during which stones were hurled, causing panic in the area. A Circle Inspector and two constables were injured, prompting the police to resort to a lathi charge. Several vehicles and properties were also reportedly damaged in the unrest.
Police rushed to the spot and deployed additional forces to bring the situation under control. Authorities said that the situation is now tense but under control.
Prohibitory orders have been imposed in Almaspet Circle and surrounding areas.
Officials have urged residents to maintain peace and refrain from spreading rumours, especially on social media.
BJP State president P. V. N. Madhav said that the BJP strongly opposed the proposal to rename the area as Tipu Sultan Centre. He also urged the police to ensure that the issue did not take a political turn and appealed to the government to provide security for the bike rally organised by Hindu religious organisations.
The incident underscores how disputes over place names continue to spark sensitivities, often taking on a communal dimension in parts of the country.
