Biswa Bangla Sarani to be renamed after Chaitanya Mahaprabhu; Key areas of Kolkata to get new names

The West Bengal state government has initiated a major process to rename several prominent streets and intersections across Kolkata, including Biswa Bangla Sarani and Park Circus Seven Point. Under a directive from Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, a specialized committee headed by Kartik Maharaj (Swami Pradipanand) has been constituted to evaluate and recommend new names rooted in Indian culture and freedom movement heritage. Among the proposed changes, Biswa Bangla Sarani is likely to be renamed after 16th-century saint Mahaprabhu Sri Chaitanyadev, while several road names associated with foreign figures like Karl Marx and Lenin are also being reviewed for replacement.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari clarified the policy stance, asserting that Kolkata streets will no longer bear the names of Mughals, Pathans, or oppressive British figures, with exceptions made for national figures like Sister Nivedita or Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The initiative follows the government's previous decision to rename Suhrawardy Avenue as Gopal Mukherjee Road in honor of Gopal Mukhopadhyay (Gopal Pantha) for his historical role during the 1946 Direct Action Day violence.

Kartik Maharaj stated that the committee comprises historians, researchers, and cultural experts who are currently deliberating on a list of ten prominent national and cultural personalities. Once the expert panel finalizes its recommendations, the proposed list will be submitted for formal government approval. Authorities expect the first phase of new street name signboards to be installed before the upcoming Durga Puja festival.