Ex-minister proposes change in name of Jama Masjid metro stn
THE AGITATED MUSLIM MAHAPANCHAYAT HELD AN EMERGENCY MEETING AND OPPOSED THE MOVE
AGRA : Former minister of state and two-time BJP MLA from Agra Cantt GS Dharmesh stirred a controversy by proposing a change in the name of the upcoming Jama Masjid metro station to Mankesmeshwar Temple. The Muslim Mahapanchayat objected to this stating that the Jama Masjid is a heritage site in Agra and an attraction for tourists thus any move to change its name would be opposed.
He made the proposal before deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya who visited Agra Metro Rail project site in Agra on Thursday. Maurya, who also minister in-charge of Agra district, was accompanied by other party leaders and representatives of BJP when he visited the Taj East Gate Metro station.
In reaction to this proposal, the agitated Muslim Mahapanchayat held an emergency meeting and opposed the move.
State sarpanch (head) of Muslim Mahapanchayat, Nadeem Noor stated: “Jama Masjid is not only a historic place but also a heritage site. Thus it was appropriate to name the metro rail station in the area as Jama Masjid station. Local MLA GS Dharmesh, with an aim to divert attention from real issues like unemployment and inflation, has made a proposal to change the name of metro rail station from Jama Masjid station to Mankameshwar Temple.”
“We will meet the district magistrate and authorities of Agra Metro project and will oppose any move to change the name of Jama Masjid metro rail station” said Noor.
The former minister said he made the proposal for the name change orally before the deputy chief minister. “The proposal was made when the deputy CM was inspecting Agra Metro rail project. He welcomed the idea and asked railway officials to consider the proposal,” he stated.
Replying to questions related to the name change proposal, deputy chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya stated that whenever such changes are made they would be brought in public notice.
“There are certain demands, which are considered in accordance with the wishes of masses” said deputy CM. “The sanction is accorded when such proposal comes in writing,” he said while downplaying the issue.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation officials distanced themselves from the issue.
“We are not aware about any such proposal, which could be carried only after prescribed procedure,” stated Shukla.
Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya appreciated the work done by UPMRC while inspecting the Agra Metro Rail project, which is coming up at a cost of Rs 8379.62 crore. There will be two corridors in Agra Metro rail project. The first corridor is from Taj East Gate to Sikandra while the second corridor runs from Agra Cantt to Kalindi Vihar. The total length of the metro network will be approximately 29 kms.
At present, civil construction work is on for the 6-km-long ‘priority stretch’ of the first corridor from Taj East Gate to Jama Masjid.