"Monumental decision, fitting tribute to TN's enduring legacy": BJP's Prasad on Port Blair renaming

In a statement on Saturday, Prasad said, "As we celebrate the 78th anniversary of India's independence, the people of Tamil Nadu and the entire nation are filled with immense pride and gratitude. Our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has bestowed upon us a historic gift - renaming Port Blair as Sri Vijayapuram. This monumental decision is a fitting tribute to the grandeur of the Chola Empire, the bravery of our freedom fighters, and the enduring legacy of Tamil Nadu."

Prasad highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to uphold India's rich cultural heritage.

"The Chola Empire, known for its maritime prowess, established a naval base in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which played a vital role in India's ancient trade and cultural exchange with Southeast Asia. By renaming Port Blair as Sri Vijaya Puram, Prime Minister Modi has acknowledged the significance of this historic naval base and the Chola dynasty's contributions to India's rich cultural heritage," he said.

He said that the Prime Minister paid tribute to Netaji Subash Chandra Bose's legacy through the renaming.

"The Andaman and Nicobar Islands hold a sacred place in India's fight for freedom. It was here that Netaji Subash Chandra Bose, the visionary leader of the Indian National Army (INA), hoisted the national flag, inspiring a nation to rise against colonial rule. The INA, forged through his vision, united thousands of brave Tamils and Indians in the fight for independence. By renaming Port Blair, Prime Minister Modi has paid a heartfelt tribute to Netaji's legacy and the ultimate sacrifice of our freedom fighters," the statement mentioned.

"Veer Savarkar, a champion of India's freedom struggle, spent years in isolation on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, yet his spirit remained unbroken. This gesture serves as a lasting homage to his valour, patriotism, and selflessness," it added.

The BJP leader further said that the renaming of Port Blair acknowledges the significant contributions of Tamil Nadu to India's growth and development.

"This historic decision resonates with the spirit of unity and oneness, bridging linguistic, religious, and cultural divides. It embodies the unyielding resolve of the Indian people to rise above differences and unite for the glory of our great nation. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, we reaffirm our commitment to the values of freedom, courage, and patriotism," he said.

He further expressed gratitude to PM Modi for this "historic decision" and said, "We salute Prime Minister Modi's steadfast dedication to the nation's progress and his relentless pursuit of excellence. His vision for a strong, prosperous, and united India has inspired a nation to strive for greatness. This historic decision is a testament to his unwavering commitment to honouring India's rich heritage and the sacrifices of our freedom fighters."

On September 13, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the renaming through a post on X, calling it a move inspired by PM Modi's vision to free the nation from the colonial imprints.

Shah also highlighted the historic importance of the UT and said that it has an "unparalleled place" in freedom struggle and history. "While the earlier name had a colonial legacy, Sri Vijaya Puram symbolises the victory achieved in our freedom struggle and the A&N Islands' unique role in the same," Shah wrote in his post.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the renaming reflects the government's commitment to break free from the colonial mindset.

In a post on X, PM Modi said that the name Sri Vijaya Puram honours the rich history and heroic people of Andaman and Nicobar islands. "It also reflects our commitment to break free from the colonial mindset and celebrate our heritage," he added. (ANI)