BJP demands renaming of Sealdah station after Shyamaprasad Mukherjee

Sealdah station, one of the busiest and most important railway hubs in India, serves thousands of passengers from Kolkata and surrounding areas every day. From early morning vegetable vendors to working commuters in the afternoon, Sealdah is a vital transit point for the city and its outskirts. Recently, a demand has emerged to rename this historic station.

On Wednesday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited Sealdah station to inaugurate several new services. During his visit, he announced the extension of several train coaches to accommodate more passengers, increasing the station's capacity. The minister revealed that this expansion would allow an additional three lakh passengers to travel through Sealdah. He also announced the introduction of the Azimganj Kashimbazar train service.

At the event, the Bengal BJP put forward a formal request to rename Sealdah station after Dr. Shyamaprasad Mukherjee, a significant figure in Bengal's political history. BJP leader Shamik Bhattacharya conveyed the demand to the Railway Minister, stating, "There is a bloody history linked to Sealdah station. Many people once camped and took shelter around the station under the supervision of Shyamaprasad Mukherjee." Bhattacharya further added that the Railway Minister promised to consider the request.

Sealdah station, which opened in 1862, holds a long and storied history. Its current building, constructed in 1869, continues to serve as one of the oldest and most iconic stations in India. The proposed renaming would link the station to a figure with deep historical roots in Bengal's history, adding a new chapter to its legacy.