AT Photo
Guwahati, Feb 19: Following a massive outrage from the public, naming of the alternate road to Kamakhya Dham through Pandu Gate as 'Swami Muktananda Saraswati Path' has been withdrawn.
In an order issued by the Housing & Urban Affairs Dept, Govt of Assam, it has directed the Commissioner, Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), to withdraw the public notice proposing to name the alternative road to Kamakhya Temple through Pandu Ghat as 'Swami Muktananda Saraswati Path.'
Meanwhile, the decision has evoked a sharp response from the public who questioned the connection of Swami Muktananda Saraswati with Assam.
Earlier, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that names of places both in urban and rural areas which are not compatible with the culture and civilization of the State will be changed. He further informed that the State government will soon launch a web portal where the public can suggest names for a particular locality.
While stating that many people feel uncomfortable uttering the name of some places which are in contrast with the civilisation of the State, they can now suggest names through the portal.
Following the CM's announcement, a proposal was announced by the GMC wherein it has been mentioned that the residents of the alternate road to Kamakhya Dham through Pandu Gate have prayed for naming the road as 'Swami Muktananda Saraswati Path'
'Objections if any may be communicated to the GMC commissioner within fifteen days, the notification said.
Later the decision was ridiculed by the public, and an outrage among the people was also observed on social media.
Cabinet Minister Ashok Singhal who is also in charge of Housing & Urban Affairs in a tweet stated "The naming of the alternate road to Kamakhya Dham through Pandu Ghat as 'Swami Muktananda Saraswati Path' has been withdrawn with immediate effect owing to public objections. We respect public opinions!"
