Naming places after politicians and despots is nothing new to history. This has always been the dictators’ cup of tea, from Stalin of USSR, to the democratically ‘autocratic’ Gandhis, sycophants have made sure their nomenclature (i.e. naming places after people in this context) is intact. Rishi Kapoor however loathes this practice. Normally known for his bizarre and arrogant rants, Rishi Kapoor aka Chintu ji’s recent tweets were no different. But this time, he actually made sense. In a series of tweets, he blasted down the diabolical system of Gandhi nomenclature, with the epic dialogue, ‘Baap ka Maal Samajh Rakha Hai Kya?’ (Is it your Personal Fiefdom?)
Before anyone accuses Rishi Kapoor of being high on praises for Narendra Modi, let me tell you Chintu Ji’s tweets came out in support of ex Army General and current Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri Vijay Kumar Singh’s request for changing Delhi’s famed Akbar Road to Maharana Pratap Road.
In a series of tweets, Rishi Kapoor suggested to change the names of the places to the names of those who actually contributed to the society, like Bandra Worli sea link should be named after Lata Mangeshkar,
for example. While Congress sycophants attempted to roast him for his alleged lambasting on the Gandhi clan, Rishi Kapoor had a valid point: How is Rajiv Gandhi associated with Film City? Weird, no? Here are some of his fantastic tweets that will compel you to think once, reproduced verbatim: –
@chintskap (Rishi Kapoor’s Twitter handle)
Change Gandhi family assets named by Congress. Bandra/Worli Sea Link to Lata Mangeshkar or JRD Tata Link Road. Baap ka Maal Samajh Rakha Tha?
We must name important assets of the country who have contributed to the society. Har cheez Gandhi ke naam? I don’t agree. Sochna Log.
If roads in Delhi can be changed why not Congress assets/property ke naam? Was in Chandigarh wahan Bhi Rajeev Gandhi assets? Socho? Why?
Rishi Kapoor even vouched for changing the name of New Delhi’s airport, the Indira Gandhi International Airport, in honor of either Mahatma Gandhi or Bhagat Singh. To add a touch of humor, he included his own name, in his own words, ‘for superficial reasons’ as well. Whatever be his reasons, Rishi Kapoor ruled Twitter this time, a rarity in years. Earlier known for his over Liberal tweets, Rishi Kapoor has seemed to turn over a new leaf.
The nomenclature of politicians with a dynastic or dictatorial background is nothing new. Soviet Dictator would allegedly murder those who refused to change names for buildings and boulevards. North Korea’s current dictator Kim Jong Un is a step ahead of Stalin. Every dictator is powered by the unwavering support of the sycophants. Hence, when Rishi Kapoor expressed his anger over Gandhi naming, it was natural of him to be criticized by those who wouldn’t hear a word against their patrons.
Probably Rishi Kapoor had forgotten the furore created over the issue of the ‘Aurangzeb Road’ being changed to ‘APJ Abdul Kalam Road’ Despite the road being named after a President, who had incessantly contributed to India with his infinite talents, the secular brigade howled on the name being changed, because apparently, our ex-President Kalam wasn’t secular, but the despotic bigot Aurangzeb was! If that wasn’t enough, the readers might exercise the brains to the wrath incurred for renaming Gurgaon as Gurugram. It was hardly a few weeks ago.
But it seems the genuine frustration of Rishi Kapoor is just the tip of the iceberg. The Gandhi nomenclature, if I’m not wrong, has affected the entire Indian system of governance. As per an RTI query, way back in 2012, there are 64 Central Govt. schemes, 5 Airports/Ports, 28 Sporting Tournaments/Trophies, 98 Educational Institutions, 15 Scholarships/Fellowships, 15 Sanctuaries/Museums/National Parks, 19 Stadiums, and 51 Awards. This is just the official figure released. Imagine, if we include the state parameters, and the actual records as well, God only knows how long the list would run. Anyone tries to change the scenario, and he/she is either lambasted or ridiculed. In better cases, they’re just struck off. Eerie, isn’t it?
I recall a joke, in which Mark Zuckerberg tells Narendra Modi why he never visited India during Congress Rule. Because apparently, the Congress wanted to convert Facebook into Rajiv Gandhi Dost Banao Yojana! This might be a joke, but it represents the nadir of nomenclature after the Nehru Gandhi clan. In fact the nomenclature was introduced for a sinister purpose, if I am to believe the sources. Apparently, for advertising the government schemes, it takes a lot of money from the side of private contractors. The Gandhi clan would do it in an apparently negligible cost, making themselves the ‘Mai Baap’ (Protectors) of Indian people, and inducing them to vote only for the Gandhi clan, or their heirs apparent. Makes well for a DEMOCRATIC AUTOCRACY, isn’t it?
Although I’m not a big Rishi Kapoor fan, I might be compelled to say that he has nailed this one in style.