Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha member Ashok Kumar Mittal on Monday praised the central government for renaming colonial-era places and urged further changes to eliminate remnants of British rule and strengthen India’s national identity.
During the Zero Hour discussions in the House, Mittal expressed concern over India continuing to bear the burden of colonial-era names, stating that they serve as lingering symbols of British rule. He lauded the government’s initiatives, citing renaming instances such as Rajpath to Kartavya Path, Indian Penal Code to Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and Allahabad to Prayagraj as steps towards shedding the colonial mindset.
Mittal emphasized that despite such progress, numerous institutions, roads, and landmarks across the country still bear British-era names. Referring to his recent visit to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh, he noted that while the city has been renamed, the Allahabad High Court and Allahabad University still retain their colonial names. Additionally, he pointed out that the Lok Sabha constituency continues to be called Allahabad instead of Prayagraj, underscoring the need for further changes.
Concerns Over Colonial Monuments
Mittal also raised concerns regarding the conservation and continued prominence of colonial-era monuments dedicated to British officers like Warren Hastings and Lieutenant CA Edwards. He argued that equating such sites with India’s national heritage landmarks like the Taj Mahal is problematic and urged state governments to take proactive steps in renaming institutions under their jurisdiction.
He further proposed the formation of a parliamentary committee to examine and recommend additional renaming efforts, ensuring a more comprehensive removal of colonial influences from public spaces.
Contrasting Opinions Within AAP
Mittal’s remarks come at a time when his party colleague and senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh has openly criticized the Centre’s renaming efforts. On March 7, Singh accused the government of using historical revisionism as a “smokescreen” to divert public attention from pressing issues such as inflation, unemployment, and economic disparity.
Renaming as Part of the BJP’s Broader Vision
The renaming of places and institutions aligns with the BJP-led central government’s larger initiative to remove India’s colonial legacy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly emphasized the importance of eliminating the “colonial mindset” and reinstating Indian heritage as an integral part of the country’s identity.
While Mittal’s support highlights bipartisan backing for this initiative, the debate over renaming places remains a contentious issue, with contrasting views emerging within political circles.
