Agartala Town Hall to be renamed after Syama Prasad Mookerjee, says Tripura CM Manik Saha; CPI(M) opposes move

By | July 7, 2025
Agartala Town Hall building renamed after Syama Prasad Mookerjee

Agartala Town Hall to be Renamed After Syama Prasad Mookerjee; CPI(M) Voices Opposition

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced that the Agartala Town Hall will be renamed to honor Syama Prasad Mookerjee. This announcement came during the 124th birth anniversary celebrations of Mookerjee on July 6, 2025. The decision marks a major political and cultural event in Tripura. While the BJP-led government praised the move, opposition parties, especially the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], opposed the renaming.

The Announcement and Its Significance

The Agartala Town Hall has served as a cultural hub in Tripura’s capital for nearly 40 years. CM Manik Saha declared that the building would be called the “Syama Prasad Mookerjee Town Hall.” The government also plans to install Mookerjee’s statue at the site. Saha said the move aims to increase public awareness of Mookerjee’s vision and contributions.

CM Saha called Mookerjee a nationalist leader and the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, which later became the BJP. He said the renaming had been overdue and showed respect for a leader often overlooked in Tripura. The government also introduced two awards in Mookerjee’s name to honor achievements in teaching, public service, and administration.

Who Was Syama Prasad Mookerjee?

Syama Prasad Mookerjee (1901–1953) was an Indian politician, barrister, and academician. He founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, the predecessor of the BJP. Mookerjee strongly opposed the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370. He worked to promote India’s unity and integrity.

Besides politics, Mookerjee served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta. He died unexpectedly in 1953 while detained in Jammu and Kashmir, which added to his legacy as a martyr.

Opposition’s Concerns and Counterarguments

The CPI(M), with a strong presence in Tripura, opposed the renaming. State secretary and opposition leader Jitendra Chaudhury called the move symbolic and inadequate. He urged the government to build a new, larger auditorium to honor Mookerjee properly.

Chaudhury’s criticism reflects the opposition’s belief that the government’s gesture lacks substance. They argue that renaming an existing hall avoids the need for meaningful cultural development.

Tripura Congress Committee president Asish Kumar Saha shared similar views. He said naming a venue after Mookerjee is positive but should follow the creation of a more suitable auditorium.

Context of Tripura’s Political Climate

Tripura has long been a battleground between left-wing parties like CPI(M) and the BJP. The left ruled the state for decades, but BJP’s recent rise changed the political landscape. The renaming fits into the BJP’s efforts to promote its leaders and shape Tripura’s political narrative.

Renaming public places to honor party icons is common in India. Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s status as BJP’s ideological founder makes this move expected.

Public Reaction and Cultural Impact

The public reacted mixedly to the renaming. BJP supporters welcomed the tribute to a key nationalist leader. Cultural groups and students showed interest in the awards and statue.

However, some activists and opposition supporters criticized the move. They felt the decision lacked public consultation and did not consider Tripura’s diverse cultural heritage.

The Broader Trend of Renaming in India

Renaming landmarks is part of a wider trend in India. Governments rename places to highlight favored leaders and rewrite history. Supporters say it honors forgotten heroes and builds pride. Critics warn that it may erase other important histories and cause division.

What Lies Ahead for Agartala Town Hall?

The renamed town hall will become a focal point for cultural and political events. The statue unveiling will attract public attention. The government’s awards could encourage excellence in education and governance.

The opposition’s call for a new auditorium suggests ongoing debate. It remains unclear if the government will invest in new infrastructure.

Conclusion

Renaming Agartala Town Hall after Syama Prasad Mookerjee marks an important political and cultural step in Tripura. The BJP government seeks to honor a key leader in its history. Meanwhile, opposition parties demand more meaningful recognition through new projects. As the debate continues, the town hall stands as a symbol of political identity and public memory in Tripura.