As the dates for UP assembly elections 2022 are approaching, parties are giving subtle signs of things to come if they win the elections. Samajwadi Party’s recent activities indicate that it will rename the districts of Ayodhya and Prayagraj whose names have been changed by Yogi Adityanath.
SP unable to digest the names of Ayodhya and Prayagraj
Recently, Akhilesh Yadav led Samajwadi Party (SP) announced the list of candidates who will be contesting elections on bicycle symbol. On January 27, 2022, they announced the names of 56 candidates for their respective assembly seats.
Apart from general hullabo around ticket distribution, the list became the chief source of Akhilesh Yadav’s undeclared election manifesto. In their list, SP has refused to use the official names of Ayodhya and Prayagraj. Instead of using these names, Akhilesh Yadav’s party has used Faizabad and Allahabad respectively.
Samajwadi Party (SP) releases a list of 56 candidates for the upcoming #UttarPradeshElections2022
Dara Singh Chauhan to contest from Ghosi pic.twitter.com/wgdsotWUSs
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) January 27, 2022
CM Yogi had renamed the cities
The move is seen as a clear indication of SP departure from Yogi Adityanath’s policy of renaming a region based on its actual history. After facing various opposition-led hindrances, in October 2018, CM Yogi had decided to change the name of the city from Allahabad to Prayagraj.
Read more: CM Yogi clears the way for renaming Allahabad to Prayagraj.
The city has immense spiritual significance for the Hindus and hosts the Maha Kumbh mela, the largest religious gathering in the world, every 12 years and Ardh Kumbh Mela every 6 years. Allahabad was originally called Prayag which translates “place of offering”.
The name, Allahabad was actually an imposition of the Mughal rule. Mughal emperor, Akbar gave the name Allahabad to the city meaning the abode of Allah. The Arabic name was, therefore, an imposition by foreign invaders on the city which was then known as Prayagraj.
Read more: Glory of Prayagraj has been restored, thanks to CM Yogi
Faizabad name was not grounded in real history
Similarly, in November 2018, CM Yogi had changed the name of Faizabad to Ayodhya. Faizabad was named after Shuja ud-Dulah’s courtier Munshi Mohammed Faiz Baksh. The name Faizabad was cut off from the historic legacy of the region.
Read more: After Allahabad and Faizabad, the names of these Indian cities must be restored
Ayodhaya’s history is so much old that it is an arduous task for archaeologists to pinpoint its accurate date of inception. Due to being the birthplace of Bhagwan Ram, the city is a holy Teerth for Hindus. In fact, the reverence of the city has outlasted various kingdoms.
Read more: CM Yogi big announcement – Faizabad to be known as Ayodhya from now on
CM Yogi has rendered opposition issueless
CM Yogi had taken on a massive anti-crime drive in the state. Police were freed from any political pressure, which resulted in improved law and order. The improved law and order helped in soaring investments in the state. Moreover, along with modernity, Yogi Government also rejuvenated Kashi and other Teerths in the state.
Read more: Soaked in Symbolism and Significance: PM Modi’s grand inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath Complex
The development of the state has left opposition bereft of any issue to fight for during elections. This seems to be the main reason behind, SP signalling that it is back to its agenda of identity politics and will be seeking votes based on Hindu-Muslim division.