A park in Patna stated to be named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has now develop into the reason for controversy. The Opposition Bharatiya Janata Social gathering has accused the Atmosphere, Forest and Local weather Change Division of the Bihar authorities, which revamped the ‘Coconut Park’ and inaugurated it on Monday, of eradicating the late chief’s title from the title.
There are claims that the park, situated in Kankarbagh colony of Patna, was named Atal Bihari Vajpayee Park after the loss of life of the BJP chief in 2018. Following renovation, the park has as soon as once more been known as ‘Coconut Park’. A plaque on the entrance of the park used to bear the title ‘Atal Bihari Vajpayee cum Coconut Park’. On the day of the inauguration, solely ‘Coconut Park’ was written on the plaque.
Tej Pratap Yadav, State Atmosphere Minister and son of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, was scheduled to inaugurate the park on Monday afternoon. Nevertheless, after the controversy broke out, he cancelled the inauguration and visited different parks within the capital metropolis..
‘No change’
On the BJP questioning the title change, Mr. Yadav stated, “I’ve not modified the title of the park. For the reason that starting, the title of the park is Coconut Park. BJP individuals are unnecessarily spreading rumours that I’ve modified the title of the park. BJP is doing politics over the title. If locals change the title of the park [to Atal Bihar Vajpayee Park] that doesn’t imply that the federal government has modified it. For the reason that starting, the title of the park has been Coconut Park.”
Requesting anonymity, an official of the Atmosphere, Forest and Local weather Change Division stated, “After the loss of life of Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji, a personal organisation known as the Bhartiya Jan Jagriti Manch put in a small statue of Vajpayeeji within the park and so they solely put in the board of Vajpayeeji on the entrance gate. There’s a devoted park within the title of Vajpayeeji in Patliputra Colony, the place a State operate is organised yearly. The inauguration of this park [by Minister Yadav] has been placed on maintain for a while and officers have been requested to clear the doubts over the title of the park. Nevertheless, on paper, the title of the park is Coconut Park.”
Earlier, all parks was maintained by the City Improvement and Housing Division. On November 16, 2022, when this park, together with different parks, was transferred to the Atmosphere, Forest and Local weather Change Division, it bore the title of Coconut Park.
BJP condemns ‘title change’
The BJP leaders made a scathing assault on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over the problem and accused him of double requirements.
Union Minister of State for Dwelling Affairs Nityanand Rai stated, “I strongly condemn the transfer of the State authorities of adjusting the title of the park named by Vajpayeeji. The chief was conferred Bharat Ratna and elimination of his title is just not lower than a criminal offense. In days to come back, Nitish Kumar’s title would even be modified from many locations.”
BJP State president Samrat Choudhary stated, “The true face of Nitishji is uncovered now. There isn’t a respect for Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji in Bihar. The title of the park is being modified within the regime of Nitish Kumar which exhibits his double requirements. That is the true respect in direction of him by his authorities. Nitishji speaks one thing else does one thing else.”
On August 16, Mr. Kumar visited Vajpayee’s memorial in New Delhi to pay tribute to the chief on his loss of life anniversary.