Agartala, July 7: A day after CPI(M) Politburo member and Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Choudhury opposed the state government’s decision to rename the Agartala Town Hall in memory of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Cabinet Minister Sushanta Chowdhury hit back, accusing the CPI(M) of misleading the public and politicizing a symbolic move.
Speaking at a press conference held at the BJP party headquarters in Agartala on Monday, Chowdhury clarified that the building’s original name, “Town Hall,” will remain unchanged, and Dr. Mukherjee’s name will be added in honor of his contributions. “This is not a renaming but a dedication. Yet, the Leader of the Opposition is attempting to create confusion and stir controversy,” he said.
The minister pointed out that dedicating town halls or public buildings to national figures is a common practice across India. “In several states, town halls are named after iconic personalities. Then why is Jitendra Choudhury objecting to this? The decision was made with public support and respect for a national figure,” Chowdhury asserted.
Recalling the history of the Agartala Town Hall, he said the current structure was built on the grounds where the Rajbari’s Lalbari once stood. It was inaugurated in 1985 by then Vice President R. Venkataraman. Chowdhury questioned the CPI(M)’s silence during their long rule, asking why they never named the hall after a royal or historical local figure if it was such a sensitive matter.
The minister accused the Left of resorting to political drama over a respectful gesture and urged them to stop misleading people over a move intended to honor Dr. Mukherjee’s legacy and national contributions.
