26-Jul-2024 11:48 PM
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New Delhi/Bengaluru, July 26 (Reporter) The Karnataka government's decision to rename Ramanagara district as Bengaluru South has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, HD Kumaraswamy, vehemently opposed the decision, vowing that the district will revert to its original name by 2028.
Speaking to reporters here on Friday, Kumaraswamy stated, "It is not possible to remove the name of Ram. By 2028, it will again be called Ramanagara. Let them be happy for a few days. Their political downfall has begun. Who had applied to change the district's name? What will be achieved by changing the name?"
Kumaraswamy further questioned the motivations behind the renaming, arguing Ramanagara's historical and developmental significance. "Do they know the history of Ramanagara? Ramanagara is already developed. Do they want to change the name to increase land prices? One must see how the law and order situation is. What is the use of any development if law and order in the state is not maintained properly?" he asserted.
Despite fierce opposition from both the BJP and JDS, the Karnataka Cabinet proceeded with the renaming decision on Friday. The BJP slammed the move, alleging that the government’s true intent was to remove 'Ram' from the district's name.
Former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister CN Ashwath Narayan voiced his disapproval, stating, "They only want to change it as there is ‘Ram’ in the name of Ramanagar. Only the Congress government can do this. We cannot accept it."
Adding to the chorus of dissent, Nikhil Kumaraswamy questioned the “hidden agenda” behind the renaming. He suggested that the move was part of a “conspiracy to make the district a haven for the real estate mafia,” hinting at underlying motives of appeasement.
As the political battle lines are drawn, the renaming of Ramanagara District promises to be a flashpoint in Karnataka’s political landscape, raising questions about the intersection of history, development, and political strategy...////...