'They only see Muslims in Karim': AIUDF on renaming Karimganj
20 Nov 2024

The Assam government, headed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has officially renamed Karimganj district to Sribhumi.

The change, announced on Tuesday, is inspired by Rabindranath Tagore's reference to the area as "Sribhumi," meaning "the land of Maa Lakshmi."

Sarma said the renaming fulfills a long-standing demand of the people.

However, the decision has drawn criticism from All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) General Secretary Rafiqul Islam.

AIUDF criticizes Assam government's district renaming decision
Criticism voiced

Islam hinted that the renaming was motivated by the district's connection to the Islamic religion. He said, "They only see Muslims in Karim."

He countered that Karimganj is a historical name with great significance during India's partition.

Islam also said Karim represents love and affection and wondered why it was deemed meaningless.

Defending his government's decision against the criticism, Sarma asked why a district should be named after an "unknown person."

Sarma defends renaming, cites alignment with Assam's heritage
Defense and aim

Sarma also stressed that names without historical or dictionary meanings are being revised across Assam.

He referred to previous instances of such renamings, including Kalapahar and Bhasoni Chowk in Barpeta.

The Assam Cabinet's decision to rename Karimganj to Sribhumi is part of a larger initiative to restore the old glory of the district and make place names reflective of Assam's cultural and linguistic heritage.