Political overtones surround naming of Jamshedpur roundabouts

Unapproved naming of roundabouts sparks controversy, administration silent, Tata Steel faces dilemma

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Jan 6: The naming of various roundabouts in the city has become a contentious issue, with political attempts to take over the process and no intervention from the administration or Tata Steel. Recently, several incidents have raised questions about who is responsible for naming these roundabouts and whether the approvals are being sought from the relevant authorities.

In recent times, roundabouts have been named without seeking permission from the administration or Tata Steel. The practice of naming roundabouts has been criticized, with concerns about the lack of regulatory control and the absence of clear approvals. The saying, ‘Jiski lathi uski bhains’ (he who has the stick gets the buffalo), seems to be in effect, as individuals and groups seem to take matters into their own hands. The bigger question remains why the administration has chosen to remain silent on the matter. Tata Steel, which is responsible for many of the roundabouts, has also refrained from commenting on the issue, creating further confusion.

Here are some recent examples of roundabouts being named without official approval:

Case 1: Baridih Roundabout
Tata Steel built a new roundabout in Baridiha but the Birsa Sena group took it upon themselves to rename the roundabout as the “Konka Kamar Karmali Chowk.” Initially, Tata Steel tried to stop the move, but without any intervention from the administration, the naming was allowed to stand. The incident raised questions about the influence of local groups in altering public spaces without official sanction.

Case 2: Bistupur Talwar Building Chowk
A new roundabout near the Bistupur Talwar Building Chowk was renamed in honor of Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda. The installation of the board was contested, but despite efforts to remove it, the board remained intact for more than 24 hours. This incident highlights the lack of regulatory oversight and raises questions about the role of political forces in pushing for such changes.

Case 3: Sonari Airport Roundabout
Another roundabout built near Sonari Airport by Tata Steel was also renamed after Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda, a prominent figure in Jharkhand’s history. Initially met with resistance from local residents and BJP leaders, the renaming continued despite opposition. Interestingly, some factions within the BJP later supported the move, creating a divide within the party. This case further illustrates the complex and politically charged nature of naming public spaces in Jamshedpur.

Case 4: Railway Station Roundabout
A statue of martyred MP Sunil Mahato was installed near the railway station roundabout. While the installation was met with resistance, the work was eventually completed, and the roundabout was named in his memory. This case, like others, raises concerns about the uncoordinated approach to naming landmarks and installing statues without any formal process or consultation.

Case 5: Pradeep Mishra Chowk in Jugsalai
The Jugsalai roundabout was named after Pradeep Mishra, who was tragically killed in the Nataraj firing incident during the 1990s. A statue was also erected in his memory. While the naming of this roundabout has been accepted by many, the process itself highlights the trend of naming public spaces after local figures without following a structured approval process.

Case 6: Sakchi Roundabout
The Sakchi roundabout was initially slated to be named Birsa Munda Chowk. However, the naming process was marred by protests, including incidents of stone pelting. Eventually, a nearby park was created in honor of Birsa Munda, with MLA Mangal Kalindi playing a significant role in the project’s completion. The roundabout’s naming was finally approved after a statue of Birsa Munda was installed by Tata Steel with support from local authorities.

In addition to these specific examples, a few roundabouts have been named without any official authorization. These include:

·       Maharana Pratap Chowk at Sakchi Marine Drive, named by the Kshatriya community after installing a statue of the warrior.

·       BR Ambedkar Chowk near the Sakchi Old Court, which features a grand statue.

·       Bhamashah Chowk near MGM Hospital, named by the Vaishya community with a board installation.

These developments have brought attention to the growing trend of unapproved naming of roundabouts, raising the question of who is responsible for managing such decisions. As the issue gains momentum, both the administration and Tata Steel face pressure to address the matter, but no concrete steps have been taken thus far to resolve the controversy.