Agra, Feb. 22:
The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) has caused controversy by renaming the Jama Masjid Metro Station in Agra to Mankameshwar Metro Station. This decision, made just months before the upcoming general elections, has been met with accusations of political opportunism. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reportedly instructed the renaming during his visit to Agra last year.
The renaming comes ahead of the inauguration of the metro service on the priority corridor, which is expected to be officiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi between February 25 and 28. This corridor consists of 13 stations, running from the Taj Mahal East Gate to the Sikandra monument.
According to media reports, the Jama Masjid station was the third and final underground metro station on the priority corridor. During his visit in July last year, the UP CM received demands from local residents to rename the station after the nearby ancient Mankameshwar temple. The state government subsequently approved the name change, resulting in the modification of station signage….
However, the renaming has not been without criticism. Some Muslim leaders have accused the government of electoral motivation.
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