The news that the new cricket stadium in Ahmedabad, the world's largest, would be named in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has, not surprisingly, evoked predictable political reactions.
BJP leaders and supporters have lauded the decision, citing Modi's commitment to encourage development of sports in Gujarat. On the other hand, opposition parties have blasted the decision.
Now, BJP MP Subramanian Swamy has waded into the debate. Swamy's wife, Roxna, is a Parsi from Ahmedabad. Taking to Twitter on Friday, Swamy claimed "many" from Gujarat had expressed their agony over the removal of the name of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first home minister, from the Ahmedabad stadium. Swamy suggested the name change be withdrawn on grounds Modi was not consulted.
Swamy tweeted, "As a son in law of Gujarat, many from the state have informed me of their agony over the removal of Sardar Patel's name from the Stadium. My suggestion is that Gujarat Government cuts its losses and say since Modi was not consulted in the name change therefore it is withdrawn."
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When asked by a Twitter user on removing names of all politicians from public places, Swamy noted this should be done only for places named after "all living politicians".
Over the past year, Swamy has increased his criticism of the Modi government, albeit using subtle tweets. In August last year, Swamy complained Modi got "bad" advice and had not consulted him despite him being a professor at Harvard and IIT Delhi. Swamy has resented the fact the government had not consulted him on the economy.
