BJP corporator's proposal to name a chowk in Nariman Point after ex Israel prez Shimon Peres met with stringent opposition from Cong, Samajwadi Party corporators
Naming a chowk in Mumbai often turns into a major political issue and Colaba corporator Harshita Narvekar's proposal has met the same fate. Local BJP corporator of ward 226 Narvekar proposed that a chowk in Nariman Point, near the Air India building, be named after former Israeli president Shimon Peres. However when the proposal was presented in the ward committee meeting of A, B and E ward it was vehemently opposed, particularly by members of the Congress and Samajwadi Party.
The proposal read, "President Shimon Peres worked hard for the Jews and he was inspired by Mahatama Gandhi's teachings of non-violence. He was the foreign minister, finance minister and then prime minister of Israel. He was given the noble award by the Israel government and he worked hard for the country and world organisations. To remember him, the chowk near Air India building in my (Harshita Narvekar) ward 226 be named as President Shimon Peres chowk."
Narvekar said, "It was a goodwill gesture as the PM of Israel was visiting the country. Besides the contribution of Peres is huge. However, the proposal came up after his visit and because of the politics involved, many including Samajwadi Party's Rais Shaikh opposed it. Hence the proposal was not taken. Jews are a recognised minority in India and many noted Jews have contributed to our nation."
Javed Juneja, a Congress Corporator, who opposed the proposal said, "Why should we name a chowk after an Israeli President? What has he done for the country or city? We opposed it because we want the chowks named after people who have contributed to the city or state or country. We put our opposition on record so that this proposal never comes up again."
According to Juneja, many of the corporators who were against the move suggested that if the chowk has to be renamed then it should be named after Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. "He is our war hero. His contribution is immense," said Juneja.
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