Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday urged the Union government to accept the West Bengal government’s long-pending proposal to rename the state, following the Union Cabinet’s recent approval of a similar request for Kerala.
The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Kerala government’s proposal to change the state’s name to Keralam. In response, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed dissatisfaction that her state’s request has remained pending for a long time despite the move for Kerala.
Omar Abdullah Highlights Need for Fair Consideration of State Name Changes
Speaking to reporters during an event in Srinagar, Omar Abdullah said, “Other states have also proposed name changes. If the West Bengal assembly seeks to rename the state, the Centre should approve it. Similarly, if a proposal were moved in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly in the future, it should also be given due consideration.”
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Omar Abdullah also welcomed Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on his first visit to Kashmir. The vice president is set to attend the 21st convocation of Kashmir University on Thursday. “He is arriving this evening to attend the convocation. Students are eagerly waiting to receive their degrees and medals from him. We welcome him warmly on his first visit after assuming office,” Abdullah said.
Earlier in the day, the chief minister laid the foundation stone for the ‘Bab-ul-Sultan-ul-Arifeen’ calligraphy gate at Rainawari Chowk. Omar Abdullah said the project is part of the government’s initiative to beautify the old city, which would also help attract tourists and benefit the downtown areas.