Jinnah Tower Centre in Guntur should be renamed: A.P. BJP chief

In a pointed remark, Andhra Pradesh BJP president P.V.N. Madhav called for the renaming of landmarks that he said reflected ‘colonial or oppressive history’, specifically citing Jinnah Tower in Guntur as an example. While addressing the party cadre in Guntur on Tuesday (August 05), Mr. Madhav argued that names and symbols should align with the spirit of a modern and unified India.

In fact, this Jinnah Tower and that centre near Guntur Municipal Corporation was named after the founding father of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and there were many protests against retaining the name even after eight decades of separation of the countries. Hence, the BJP A.P. chief questioned on it during the cadre meeting.

Stressing on religious harmony and individual freedom, the BJP leader asserted: “I will chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’. Others may follow their own faiths. We must respect each other’s beliefs.”

Mr. Madhav asserted that the party’s grassroots outreach initiative, ‘Chai Pe Charcha’, is focused on identifying and resolving public grievances. Interacting with locals during the event, Mr. Madhav said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership and tireless efforts for national development serve as an inspiration for such people-centric programmes.

Highlighting the need for well-planned urban development, Mr. Madhav proposed the creation of ‘model colonies’ with modern civic amenities such as CCTV surveillance, improved sanitation, and adequate street lighting. Referring to the concept of ‘Modi Colonies’, he said such initiatives should be replicated across urban centres.

He concluded by affirming that the BJP will work actively for the development of Guntur and Vijayawada cities, promising to bring citizen concerns to the forefront. Before the meeting, he organized a public rally on inner ring road for about one kilometre.