Kolkata's Suhrawardy Avenue Renamed After Eight Decades
Kolkata's Suhrawardy Avenue, named after former Prime Minister of Pakistan Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy, has been renamed after 80 years. The decision, taken by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), has sparked criticism from some quarters who see it as a delayed act of retribution for the actions of Suhrawardy's nephew, who was involved in the 1946 Direct Action Day riots. Critics argue that renaming the road is akin to making an uncle pay for his nephew's sins.
The Decision and Its Rationale
The KMC passed a resolution to rename Suhrawardy Avenue as 'Mahanayak Uttam Kumar Sarani' after the legendary Bengali actor Uttam Kumar. The move was proposed by the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and supported by the opposition BJP. The renaming is part of a broader trend in West Bengal to replace colonial and controversial names with those of local icons.
Historical Context of Suhrawardy Avenue
Suhrawardy Avenue was named after Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy, a prominent Bengali politician who served as the Prime Minister of Pakistan from 1956 to 1957. However, his legacy is tainted by his role in the 1946 Direct Action Day riots in Calcutta, which led to widespread communal violence. Critics of the renaming argue that Suhrawardy himself was not directly responsible for the riots, but his nephew, who was a key figure in the Muslim League, played a significant role. The street name change is seen by some as a symbolic punishment for Suhrawardy's family.
Reactions to the Renaming
The renaming has drawn mixed reactions. TMC leaders hailed it as a tribute to Uttam Kumar, a cultural icon of Bengal. BJP leaders supported the move, citing Suhrawardy's controversial past. However, some historians and political analysts have criticized the decision, calling it a politically motivated move to erase history. According to a local resident, "It is unfair to punish Suhrawardy for his nephew's actions. This is just political vendetta."
Implications for Urban Naming Conventions
The renaming of Suhrawardy Avenue is part of a larger trend in Indian cities to rename streets and landmarks associated with colonial figures or controversial personalities. In Kolkata, several roads have been renamed in recent years, including Chowringhee Road (now Jawaharlal Nehru Road) and Harrington Street (now Ho Chi Minh Sarani). This practice often sparks debates about historical memory and the politics of public spaces. While some argue that renaming helps reclaim local identity, others contend that it erases important historical narratives.
