Mumbai: Several Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have strongly criticized the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) proposal to rename the prestigious King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital in Parel. The move, based on a suggestion by suburban guardian minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, has sparked political controversy.
Raut's Reaction
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut questioned the necessity of changing the hospital's name. In a sharp retort, Raut suggested that Lodha should instead name the Trump Tower he built in the city after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Memorandum Against Renaming
Shiv Sena UBT MLA Ajay Choudhari and BMC opposition leader Kishori Pednekar submitted a memorandum to the KEM dean, protesting the civic body's decision to rechristen the hospital as Kaushalyashreshta Eklavya Memorial Hospital. Choudhari questioned the rationale behind the name and Lodha's authority to propose such a change. He emphasized the hospital's historical significance, noting that it has produced world-class physicians and is globally recognized as 'KEM Hospital, Parel.'
Appeal to Chief Minister
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Milind Narvekar separately urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to intervene in the name change controversy. In a post on social media platform X, Narvekar asked, 'Will all historical monuments' names be changed? CM Devendra Fadnavis, please intervene in this matter; this is a humble request.'
The KEM Hospital, established in 1926, is one of India's premier medical institutions and has a rich legacy in healthcare and medical education. The proposed name change has drawn widespread criticism from political quarters and medical professionals alike.
