Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The adage that there is everything in a name has prompted Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) to rechristen the century-old Hamidia Hospital. A heated debate erupted during the BMC council meeting on Thursday as Congress and BJP councillors clashed over approved proposals to rename several city landmarks, including those associated with Nawab Hamidullah Khan. The uproar forced the House to be adjourned for 15 minutes before discussions resumed.
The confrontation began when BJP councillor Devendra Bhargava, with the chairman’s permission, proposed removing the name of Bhopal's former Nawab, Hamidullah Khan, from public properties such as Hamidia Hospital, Hamidia College and Hamidia Road. The approved proposal sparked immediate protests from Congress members, who argued that such matters fall under the purview of the state government and demanded a review of rules regarding name change.
Leader of Opposition (LoP) Shabista Zaki, along with Congress councillors Azizuddin, Mohammad Sarwar and Yogendra Singh Chauhan led the objection, emphasising that the council was exceeding its authority. Despite their resistance, BJP councillors stood firm and began chanting ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai,’ prompting Congress members to surround the chair in protest. The chaos led to the temporary suspension of the session.
The situation further escalated when BJP councillors labelled Nawab Hamidullah Khan a ‘traitor’, claiming he had attempted to merge Bhopal with Pakistan during the time of Independence, delaying the city's integration with India for nearly two years. The emotionally charged atmosphere saw slogans of ‘Pakistan Murdabad’ echo through the House.
Despite the uproar, several developmental proposals were passed. Notably, the council sanctioned the construction of new immersion ghats in various parts of the city to comply with the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) ban on traditional pond-based immersion.
These new ghats aim to provide eco-friendly alternatives for religious immersions during festivals. The council meeting resumed after brief adjournment, with further discussions on governance and infrastructure continuing amid tense political atmosphere.
BMC Chairman, LoP come face-to-face in debate
Amid heated exchanges, slogans of ‘Pakistan Murdabad’ echoed in the chamber. Corporation Chairman Kishan Suryavanshi stirred further controversy by stating, ‘The Nawab of Bhopal was a traitor, is a traitor and will remain a traitor,’ in reference to the hospital’s historical association.
Council approves renaming of Old Ashoka Garden
In a separate development, the council approved renaming of Old Ashoka Garden as Rambagh. The proposal was introduced by the councillor of Ward 69, who claimed that the area was originally known as Rambagh before being renamed due to the abundance of Ashoka trees.
Congress councillor Yogendra Singh Chauhan objected to it, questioning whether the council had the authority to rename colonies, insisting that it could only rename roads and intersections.
Additionally, the council approved renaming a key junction near Vivekanand Park on 80 Feet Road to Vivekanand Square.
Approved projects include
* BU: ₹4.45 crore
* Neelbad: ₹6.18 crore
* Sanjeev Nagar: ₹4.77 crore
* Malikhedi: ₹2.49 crore
* Prempura: ₹7.34 crore
Staffers’ salary before Raksha Bandhan
Mayor Malti Rai told media persons that Municipal corporation employee salaries would be paid before Raksha Bandhan and promised timely distribution of uniforms, raincoats and processing of promotions after necessary files are prepared by councillors.
Tensions flared again during the pre-question hour session when BJP councillor Pappu Vilas raised concerns over the ‘behaviour’ of the BMC Commissioner, accusing him of losing his cool easily. He demanded a censure motion against the commissioner and even staged a lone sit-in in the well of the House. However, both BJP and Congress councillors opposed his protest and instead praised the Commissioner’s performance.
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