The Arunachal Pradesh government’s decision to name a newly constructed road connecting Damsite and Model Village in Naharlagun after Syama Prasad Mookerjee has triggered a public debate, with local residents and political groups questioning the move while BJP leaders have defended it.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the 4-km cement concrete road on July 6 as Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Road. The road, traditionally known as Kangkra Putu, was constructed in two phases by the Public Works Department and the Itanagar Municipal Corporation.
The decision has drawn mixed reactions, with several residents claiming that the road’s original name should have been retained and alleging that the renaming was done without consulting the local community.
Following the inauguration, the issue gained attention on social media, where users expressed differing opinions on the government’s decision.
The Indian Youth Congress was among the first political organisations to oppose the renaming. The organisation argued that Dr Mookerjee had no direct contribution to Arunachal Pradesh and questioned the decision to name the road after him.
Several residents also voiced similar concerns.
“The name of the road was suddenly changed. This is the first time we have heard the name of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee. We don’t know who he was or what contribution he made to Arunachal,” a resident said.
Another resident questioned why the government had not chosen a prominent personality from the state.
“There are countless Arunachali personalities who have contributed immensely to the making of modern Arunachal. Why not name the road after one of them? Why this fascination with leaders from mainland India?” the resident said.
However, supporters of the ruling BJP defended the government’s decision, saying Dr Mookerjee’s contribution to the nation justified the recognition.
The road falls under Ward 16 of the Itanagar Municipal Corporation, represented by Mayor Likha Nari Tadar.
Defending the naming decision, Tadar said Dr Mookerjee’s contribution to India’s freedom movement and post-Independence political development was significant.
“His contribution to India’s freedom movement and the political developments in post-Independence India is well known. People should read about him and learn more about his contribution to the nation. He also founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, which later evolved into the BJP,” the mayor said.
