Chhattisgarh govt renames 5 schemes, BJP calls it ‘political vindictiveness’

The newly formed Congress government in Chhattisgarh has renamed five schemes that the previous BJP government had named after Jan Singh leader Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. A report in Money Control said the schemes of the urban administration and development department have now been renamed after former prime ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, and Dr BR Ambedkar. The order to rename the schemes was issued on Monday night.

According to the order, Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya Swavlamban Yojna has been renamed Rajiv Gandhi Swavlamban Yojna, Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya Sarvasamaj Manglik Bhavan Yojna has been renamed Dr B R Ambedkar Sarvasamaj Manglik Bhavan Yojna, Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya LED Path Prakash Yojna has been renamed Indira Priyadarshini LED Path Prakash Yojna, Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya Ajivika Kendra (livelihood centre) Yojna is now Rajiv Gandhi Ajivika Kendra Yojna, and Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya Shuddh Peyjal (clean drinking water) Yojna has been renamed Indira Priyadarshini Shudhh Peyjal Yojna.

The BJP said the move indicated “political vindictiveness”. Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh said in a statement: “The state government deliberately rechristened schemes named after Pt Deendayal Upadhyayaji on his death anniversary, which was observed on Monday (February 11). This reflects Congress’ mentality … Without making any new provisions, they have just renamed the schemes which clearly indicates that it’s a new episode of ‘Badlapur’ (vindictive politics).”