New Delhi, June 22: Congress leader and Media & Publicity Department Chairman Pawan Khera on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the renaming of Suhrawardy Avenue in Kolkata as Gopal Mukherjee Road. The Pawan Khera slams BJP over Suhrawardy Avenue renaming controversy has intensified the political debate in West Bengal, with leaders from the BJP, Congress, and Trinamool Congress (TMC) exchanging strong remarks over history, identity, and governance.

The controversy erupted after the Kolkata Municipal Corporation approved the renaming of the prominent avenue, prompting political reactions across party lines. The Pawan Khera slams BJP over Suhrawardy Avenue renaming issue has since become one of the most discussed political topics in the state.

Pawan Khera Accuses BJP of ‘Intellectual Bankruptcy’

Reacting to the decision, Pawan Khera took to social media platform X, where he questioned the BJP’s historical understanding while referring to a book titled Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee: The Great Educationist.

According to Khera, the publication, authored by senior BJP leader Dr. Nand Kishore Garg and carrying a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, mentions that Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee admired and supported Dr. Hassan Suhrawardy.

Sharing this reference, Khera criticised BJP supporters and wrote:

“This book claims that Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee was the chief counsel and a huge supporter of Dr Hasan Suhrawardy. Bhakt-Brigade should do what it is best at doing—WhatsApp satsang with each other. Spare the country from your intellectual bankruptcy.”

The Pawan Khera slams BJP over Suhrawardy Avenue renaming statement quickly gained attention on social media, triggering reactions from supporters and political rivals alike.

Why Was Suhrawardy Avenue Renamed?

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation recently approved renaming Suhrawardy Avenue as Gopal Mukherjee Road, a move welcomed by BJP leaders.

Supporters of the decision argue that Gopal Mukherjee played an important role in protecting innocent civilians during communal violence in Bengal and deserves official recognition.

The renaming has, however, divided political opinion, with critics arguing that it is based on a misunderstanding of historical facts.

Suvendu Adhikari Defends the Decision

Senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, praised the renaming decision.

In his statement, Adhikari described the move as correcting a “historical wrong.”

He alleged that Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, who served as the Premier of undivided Bengal during the Direct Action Day riots in 1946, misused state power and was responsible for widespread violence.

Adhikari said replacing the road’s name with Gopal Mukherjee Road honours someone who protected thousands of innocent people during one of Bengal’s darkest periods.

According to him, the decision represents an effort to restore historical justice and recognize forgotten heroes.

TMC Counters BJP’s Historical Claims

The Trinamool Congress strongly opposed the BJP’s narrative.

TMC Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale clarified that Suhrawardy Avenue was not named after Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, but after Dr Hassan Suhrawardy, a distinguished academic, physician, art critic, and the first Muslim Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University.

Gokhale pointed out that the road had been named in April 1933, long before the events of Direct Action Day.

He accused BJP leaders of failing to verify historical records before making the decision.

The Pawan Khera slams BJP over Suhrawardy Avenue renaming controversy further intensified following Gokhale’s clarification.

Saket Gokhale Questions BJP’s Understanding of History

In another social media post, Gokhale criticized the BJP government, alleging that it ignored readily available historical facts.

Pawan Khera slams BJP over Suhrawardy Avenue renaming He stated that a simple online search would have revealed that Hassan Suhrawardy and Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy were two different individuals.

According to Gokhale, Bengal’s rich intellectual and academic heritage deserves greater respect from those in public office.

He also accused the government of making politically motivated decisions without adequate historical research.

Political Debate Over Historical Legacy

Pawan Khera slams BJP over Suhrawardy Avenue renaming The dispute has once again highlighted how historical figures and public monuments continue to shape political debates in India.

Road names, statues, institutions, and memorials frequently become subjects of ideological disagreement, especially when governments seek to rename them.

Supporters argue such changes honour forgotten national heroes, while critics contend they risk oversimplifying history or erasing important contributions made by earlier generations.

The Pawan Khera slams BJP over Suhrawardy Avenue renaming issue reflects this broader national debate over history and public memory.

Who Was Dr Hassan Suhrawardy?

Dr Hassan Suhrawardy was a respected physician, educationist, and art historian.

Pawan Khera slams BJP over Suhrawardy Avenue renaming He became the first Muslim Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University and contributed significantly to academic and cultural life in Bengal.

Supporters of retaining the avenue’s original name argue that his legacy is distinct from that of his nephew, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy.

This distinction has become central to the ongoing political controversy.

BJP Defends Historical Reassessment

BJP leaders maintain that the renaming reflects public sentiment and seeks to honour individuals who defended citizens during periods of communal violence.

According to the party,Pawan Khera slams BJP over Suhrawardy Avenue renaming restoring recognition to figures like Gopal Mukherjee represents historical correction rather than political symbolism.

The party insists that governments have every right to rename public places to better reflect national values and local history.

Congress Intensifies Criticism

Pawan Khera slams BJP over Suhrawardy Avenue renaming Congress leaders have continued attacking the BJP over the issue, arguing that historical decisions should be based on verified facts rather than political narratives.

Pawan Khera maintained that the BJP’s own published material contradicts the justification being offered for the renaming.

His remarks have sparked wider discussions among historians, political commentators, and social media users regarding historical interpretation and political accountability.

Political Reactions Continue

The controversy surrounding Suhrawardy Avenue is expected to remain a major political issue in West Bengal, particularly as parties prepare for future electoral battles.

With Congress, BJP, and TMC taking sharply different positions, the debate has expanded beyond a road name into questions about historical accuracy, public memory, and political symbolism.

As the Pawan Khera slams BJP over Suhrawardy Avenue renaming controversy unfolds, it underscores how history continues to influence contemporary politics in India.

Whether the decision remains unchanged or faces legal or political challenges, the episode has reignited discussions about preserving historical facts while recognising individuals who shaped the state’s past.