There are some reports that say Sena’s Aaditya Thackeray has reiterated that they will emphasise on the development of Aurangabad and that the name change would be debated by the MVA allies.
Aaditya Thackeray. Pic/Ashish Rane
The political renaming pot has started simmering. We are at the start of the vaccination drive, but instead of a clear-headed focus on vaccine matters, we have seen political parties now embroiled in fierce charges and counters.
There are some reports that say Sena’s Aaditya Thackeray has reiterated that they will emphasise on the development of Aurangabad and that the name change would be debated by the MVA allies.
This is a good line — focusing on what matters rather than names. It remains to be seen whether the young political Turk, sensing the mood, is simply saying the right, placatory things or this is how things will be done in the future. Politics may play out and charges will fly, but what we want is shifting of priorities.
Too much time and energy have been wasted on naming projects. Let us concentrate on their use for the public. Ensure hygiene, safety and great technology along with upgrades and facelifts, instead of focussing on whom to name projects after. For our netas, touting advice and patting themselves on the back for the way they have handled the COVID-19 pandemic, this should be the new normal.
