A wave of controversy has swept over Bihar following the contentious decision by the Nitish Kumar government to rename the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Park in Patna's Kankarbagh area. The park's new moniker, "Coconut Park," has ignited a fierce political row that highlights the deep-seated divisions in the state's political landscape.
Originally christened "Coconut Park" and later modified to honor the revered former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2018, the park's renaming has resurrected the name that echoes its roots. However, the move has garnered a mix of reactions, with Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav's scheduled inauguration facing an unexpected postponement, according to media reports.
The uproar has primarily been fueled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has vehemently criticized the decision. The BJP's concerns stem from the presence of a statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee within the park, with Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs, labeling the renaming a "crime" and expressing deep disappointment. Rai's sentiments are shared by State BJP President Samrat Chaudhary, who lambasted the Bihar government for purportedly disrespecting the legacy of the Bharat Ratna recipient.
The origins of the renaming decision lie with Bihar's Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Tej Pratap Yadav. Despite mounting opposition, the state government stood firm and reinstated the park's original name, "Coconut Park." This move, however, underscores the simmering political tensions within Bihar, as questions arise about the ruling government's commitment to upholding the legacy of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a towering figure within the BJP.
