A fresh political row has erupted in Tripura as the state government’s decision to rename the iconic Agartala Town Hall after Syama Prasad Mookerjee, founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh (predecessor of the BJP), has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties including CPI(M) and Congress.
Government’s decision sparks opposition backlash
On Sunday, the Tripura government formally announced its plan to rename Agartala Town Hall as Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Town Hall, citing his contributions to national integration and his role in India’s freedom movement. The announcement was made by senior BJP leaders and the state cultural department, sparking immediate protests from opposition leaders who termed the move as “politically motivated” and “a distortion of Tripura’s cultural legacy.”
Why CPI(M) is opposing?
The CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury criticised the decision, stating:
“SP Mookerjee had no direct contribution towards Tripura’s cultural history or freedom struggle. Town Hall has been a symbol of Tripura’s collective cultural identity for decades. Renaming it after a leader not directly linked to the state is an insult to local sentiment.”
CPI(M) leaders accused the BJP of pursuing an agenda of saffronisation by imposing names of national leaders affiliated to their ideological lineage on state institutions, ignoring regional icons and cultural figures of Tripura.
Congress joins the protest
The state Congress leadership echoed similar views. Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee President Ashish Kumar Saha said:
“We respect Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s contributions to India, but Town Hall is a cultural space that should reflect Tripura’s own heritage. We demand the decision be withdrawn immediately.”
Congress leaders pointed out that there are eminent personalities from Tripura’s own history – poets, tribal freedom fighters, cultural leaders – after whom such institutions can be named to honour the state’s diversity.
Historical significance of Agartala Town Hall
Built in the 1960s, Agartala Town Hall has been a premier cultural venue for:
- Dance, drama, music performances
- Educational and academic functions
- State-level policy dialogues, conferences, and citizen forums
- Political meetings and commemorations
It has hosted stalwarts like Hemanta Mukhopadhyay, Sachin Dev Burman tribute programmes, and national award-winning drama festivals, making it a hub of Bengali and Kokborok cultural expression.
BJP’s justification for the move
The BJP government defended its decision, stating that Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee played a historic role in the integration of princely states post-independence, including regions in the Northeast. Chief Minister Manik Saha said:
“Renaming the Town Hall is a tribute to a national icon who sacrificed his life for India’s integrity. The youth should remember his ideals.”
State cultural minister Sushanta Chowdhury added that this was part of the government’s broader initiative to name institutions after freedom fighters and nationalist icons to inspire the next generation.
Political implications in Tripura
The move is seen as the BJP’s attempt to consolidate its ideological branding across Northeast India. Opposition parties, however, allege that such actions are aimed at diverting attention from urgent issues like:
- Rising unemployment
- Tribal welfare and land rights disputes
- Illegal immigration concerns
- Ethnic tensions between indigenous groups and Bengali settlers
Public reactions
The renaming decision has triggered mixed reactions among local residents and cultural activists:
- Cultural forums and theatre groups expressed disappointment, arguing that the Town Hall should retain a neutral or culturally-rooted name.
- Some youth groups affiliated with the ABVP welcomed the move, calling it a rightful tribute to a nationalist hero.
- Academics and historians questioned the government’s selective naming choices without a transparent public consultation process.
Comparative table: Recent renaming decisions in Tripura
| Place/Institution | Previous Name | New Name | Reason Cited By Government |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agartala Town Hall | Agartala Town Hall | Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Town Hall | Tribute to nationalist leader |
| Udaipur College | Udaipur Degree College | Maharaja Bir Bikram College | Honouring Tripura’s last king |
| Kumarghat School | Kumarghat Higher Secondary | Atal Bihari Vajpayee Vidyalaya | Tribute to former PM |
CPI(M) and Congress future course of action
Both parties have announced plans to organise joint protest demonstrations, signature campaigns, and memoranda to the Chief Minister demanding rollback of the renaming order. CPI(M) youth wings are also planning cultural sit-ins at Town Hall to assert its regional legacy.
Experts on the issue
Sociopolitical analyst Dr Gautam Debbarma observed:
“While Dr Mookerjee’s contributions to India are undeniable, local heritage institutions like Town Hall carry emotional and cultural capital for citizens. Renaming them without consensus risks alienating communities, especially in sensitive border states like Tripura.”
Possible legal challenge
Congress legal cell has hinted at exploring legal avenues under heritage conservation laws if the state does not reconsider its decision.
The bigger picture: BJP’s symbolic politics
This is not the first such move by BJP-led governments. Similar renaming decisions were witnessed in:
- Uttar Pradesh (Allahabad to Prayagraj, Faizabad to Ayodhya)
- Madhya Pradesh (Habibganj station to Rani Kamlapati station)
- Gujarat (Ahmedabad airport terminal after Sardar Patel)
While supporters see it as reclaiming Indian heritage, critics allege that it sidelines regional diversity for nationalistic symbolism.
Conclusion
The renaming of Agartala Town Hall after Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee has sparked a fresh political and cultural debate in Tripura over identity, heritage, and regional pride. As CPI(M) and Congress prepare to intensify their protests, the BJP seems resolute in its decision, setting the stage for another round of ideological confrontation in the state’s charged political landscape ahead of the next municipal elections.
Disclaimer: This news content is based on current political developments, public statements, and cultural discussions within Tripura. Readers are advised to follow official government notifications for final decisions regarding institutional renaming.
