Punjab BJP Chief Accuses CM Mann of Petty Politics Over Airport Naming
Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party president Sunil Jakhar issued a stern warning to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday, cautioning him against indulging in what he termed "petty politics" surrounding the naming of Adampur Airport after Sri Guru Ravidas Ji. This political confrontation emerges as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to visit Punjab on February 1, coinciding with Sri Guru Ravidas Ji's Prakash Purab celebrations.
Jakhar's Strong Rebuke to Mann's Social Media Demand
Addressing the contentious issue, Jakhar emphasized that Prime Minister Modi had already announced in May 2024 during his visit to Hoshiarpur that the Adampur airport would be named after the revered saint, considering the sentiments of Punjab's people. The BJP leader expressed disappointment that Chief Minister Mann had taken to social media platform X on Wednesday to demand the same naming, despite the decision being officially confirmed and announced previously.
"Such conduct did not befit the office of the chief minister," Jakhar stated firmly, alleging that Mann was attempting to politicize a matter that had already been settled through proper channels. He revealed that the program for the airport's formal naming ceremony had already been released by the Prime Minister's Office, making Mann's renewed demand redundant and politically motivated.
Timing of PM Modi's Punjab Visit Adds Significance
Jakhar highlighted the significance of Prime Minister Modi's scheduled visit to Punjab on February 1, which coincides with both the Union Budget presentation in Parliament and Sri Guru Ravidas Ji's Prakash Purab. "Instead of welcoming the prime minister, the chief minister has started tweeting and demanding that the airport be named after Sri Guru Ravidas Ji, even though the decision has already been taken and announced," Jakhar remarked.
The BJP president emphasized that the prime minister's decision to visit Punjab on this important religious occasion, despite the crucial budget session, demonstrates his deep reverence and respect for Punjab's spiritual heritage and cultural traditions. Jakhar maintained that repeating an already fulfilled demand amounted to misleading the public and creating unnecessary political controversy.
Broader Political Implications and Alternative Demands
Jakhar clarified that he would have supported any genuine new demand from the chief minister in Punjab's interest, even beyond party lines. "But by raising a demand that has already been fulfilled, it is unclear what the chief minister is trying to prove," he questioned, suggesting that Mann's actions reflected political desperation rather than genuine concern for public welfare.
The BJP leader further claimed that Punjab's citizens were increasingly looking toward the BJP with hope, alleging that the Aam Aadmi Party government had led the state into decline across multiple fronts. This airport naming controversy represents another chapter in the ongoing political tussle between the ruling AAP and opposition BJP in Punjab.
Parallel Demand to Rename Hoshiarpur District
Meanwhile, a separate development has emerged from Ludhiana, where social activist Sukhdev Singh Walia has formally requested the renaming of Hoshiarpur district as Sri Guru Ravidas Nagar. Walia has written multiple letters to the Punjab chief secretary and governor over recent months, presenting historical and religious justifications for this change.
In his correspondence, Walia highlighted that three significant religious sites associated with Guru Ravidas Ji – Charan Choh Ganga, Tapp Asthan Shri Khuralgarh Sahib, and Minar-e-Begampura – are located within Hoshiarpur district. He argued that renaming the district would serve as a fitting tribute to the saint's legacy and help spread his philosophy of an egalitarian society free from discrimination.
Walia cited historical precedents such as Mohali being officially named after Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Nawanshahr district being renamed Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, suggesting that such renaming exercises honor Punjab's rich spiritual and historical heritage.
Procedure for District Renaming Explained
The process for changing a district's name involves several formal steps:
- The state government initiates a proposal, typically through the concerned department or chief minister's office
- The proposal is presented to the state cabinet for approval
- Once cabinet clearance is obtained, the decision is forwarded to the governor for formal assent
- The state government then issues an official notification in the state gazette
- The Union government is informed to update central records including census and postal data
This comprehensive procedure ensures that any renaming exercise follows proper administrative protocols and maintains consistency across government records at both state and national levels.
