Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday opposed the central government’s move to change the name of Ramlila ground and rename it after former prime minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Reacting to a report, suggesting the move for name change, Kejriwal tweeted, “You wouldn’t get vote by changing the name of Ramlila ground and rename it after Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The BJP should change the name of its prime minister (Narendra Modi), then they may get some votes. Because people are not giving their votes in his name.”
A report by ABP had said that North Delhi Municipal Corporation proposed the renaming of Ramlila ground after the late prime minister. A few BJP councillors have also reportedly given their support in this regard. “A discussion on it will likely be taken up in the House of NDMC on August 30,” ABP News quoted Delhi BJP leader Ashish Sood as saying.
Ramlila ground has been a famous place for political parties and activists to stage protests. Kejriwal, who held several protest rallies here had chosen the location as a venue for his swearing in ceremony when he became the Delhi Chief Minister in February 2015.
Meanwhile, in a video message, Delhi BJP chief, Manoj Tiwari, denied media reports on the name change proposal for Ramlila ground. He said, “Some people are spreading myth that Ramlila Maidan’s name will be changed. This could only be a wrong mindset of certain politicians and nothing else. Lord Ram is worshiped by by everyone,” he said in a video message.