Kolkata, July 5 -- Former senior BJP councillor and ex-deputy mayor Meena Devi Purohit has urged the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) to officially rename Mohammad Ali Park as Mahabali Park, claiming the site's original identity was changed years ago.
Purohit said she had submitted a representation to the KMC commissioner seeking restoration of the park's earlier name. Speaking during a khuti puja programme of another Durga Puja committee in Burrabazar, she alleged that the park had historically been known as Mahabali Park before being renamed for political reasons.
The demand comes amid continuing political debate over the renaming of public spaces in West Bengal, following the state government's decision to rename Suhrawardy Avenue as Gopal Mukherjee Road. KMC is yet to decide on Purohit's request.
The BJP leader also alleged that hoardings put up by the "Shree Mahabali Park Durgotsav Samity" were removed by unidentified persons. She claimed fresh banners carrying the same name have since been installed. According to Purohit, police visited the site, reviewed the security arrangements and deployed a vehicle outside the park on Saturday.
She further criticised the condition of the park, alleging inadequate maintenance. After she raised the issue with civic authorities, work to improve lighting and clean the premises was initiated, she claimed.
The park, formerly known as Auckland Park during the British era, was later renamed Mohammad Ali Park. It has hosted one of Kolkata's prominent Durga Pujas for more than five decades.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.