In Indore, Madhya Pradesh, the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) has removed signboards bearing new street names in a Muslim-dominated area of Chandan Nagar, following objections from a local BJP leader. The BJP leader, Akash Vijayvargiya, a former MLA and son of MP Urban Development and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, alleged that the street names were changed based on a "particular religion".
Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav stated that the signboards were installed "unlawfully" by ward councillor Fatma Rafiq Khan without the permission of the MIC (Mayor-in-Council). He has directed legal action be taken against the councillor. The IMC Commissioner received a letter from Vijayvargiya demanding the immediate removal of the "illegal" boards and reinstatement of the old street names, further warning of a "vigorous protest" if the administration failed to act.
According to Rafiq Khan's husband, the corporation was requested two years ago to install signboards in the densely populated locality for public convenience. He claimed that the civic body had put up the boards with names that had been in use for around 40 years. He also stated that they did not object to the removal of the signboards and would meet with the mayor to present their side.
Some of the removed signboards displayed alternate names for the same street, such as 'Sakina Manzil Road' alongside 'Chandan Nagar Sector-B Ward No. 2', and 'Raza Gate' as well as 'Loha Gate Road'. Another board displayed 'Gausia Road' along with 'Chandu Wala Road', as both names were commonly used. A local resident, Abdul Wahid Khan, said that the removal of these boards would cause difficulty in locating addresses.
Mayor Bhargav condemned the corporator's actions, calling the installation of the boards without MIC permission 'unconstitutional'. He emphasized that strict action would be taken against anyone involved in such activities. BJP workers are also demanding an FIR against all municipal employees involved in the act, contending that the corporator could not have carried out such a task alone.
In response to the allegations, the corporator's office shared a letter that was forwarded to the IMC commissioner in June of the previous year, which requested the installation of signboards due to Chandan Nagar being a dense area where it is difficult for outsiders to find specific addresses.