The ruling BJP government is considering a proposal to rename Shimla to Shyamala, following a campaign launched by some right-wing Hindu groups that demanded renaming the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Several cities in different parts of the country had historic names that were changed, justified Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and state health minister Vipin Singh Parmar.
The proposal can be considered if the people want Shimla to be rechristened as Shyamala, Parmar said.
Raising questions on the intention of those wanting Shimla to be renamed, Senior Himachal Pradesh Congress leader Harbhajan Singh Bhajji said, “what is the justification (for changing Shimla's name)."
This is a historical city and if you change its name, it will lose its character, Bhajji argued.
What's wrong with the name Shimla? Will the renaming ensure development? The state government should focus on ensuring that the state progresses instead of indulging in such frivolous antics, he added.
Shimla was originally called Shyamala, said Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) functionary Aman Puri, adding it was renamed to Simla as the Britishers found it tough to pronounce. The name later became Shimla.
The social media is abuzz with discussions over renaming of cities, for the last few days. The debate saw many favouring the decision, while many opposing the same.
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