Indore MLA Golu Shukla Calls To Rename Muslim-Dominated Colonies; Sparks Political Controversy

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Indore-3 MLA Golu Shukla sparked a political stir in the city on Sunday by demanding the renaming of colonies on the lines of Uttar Pradesh. In a letter to the mayor, he urged the administration to change the names of Muslim-dominated colonies in city. He even suggested Hindu names for Muslim colonies.

According to Golu Shukla, 'Miyan Bhai Ki Chaal' should be renamed as 'Shri Ram Nagar', 'Feroze Gandhi Nagar' as 'Jai Malhar Nagar,' 'Khatipura' as 'Raghunathpuram,' 'Jabaran Colony' as 'Saraswati Nagar', and 'Hathipala' as 'Bajrang Setu'. The MLA said that the name 'Miyan Bhai Ki Chaal' has no meaning because most of the Hindus live in that colony, so why is it named Muslim? This has triggered a controversy in the city, and several comments and opinions are being expressed on Shukla's statement and demands.

Congress reacts

Reacting to the BJP MLA's demand to rename colonies in the city, the Congress blamed the ruling party for creating unnecessary polarisation in the society. "MLA is a people's representative and he should raise public issues.  There is a tradition in BJP to raise Hindu-Muslim issues, make statements on them and increase their stature in the party. If he would have written a letter to the mayor on the public problems of these colonies like water supply, roads, drainage, stray dogs and others then it would have been more appropriate instead of the political polarisation," said Neelabh Shukla, state spokesperson of Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee.