The Assam government’s decision to rename the Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital in Barpeta has triggered strong reactions from political leaders, civil society groups and members of the public across the state.
Shehnaz Rasul, granddaughter of former President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed and a lawyer at the Gauhati High Court, strongly opposed the move and warned that insulting the first Assamese President would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Rasul, a resident of Guwahati’s Lakhotokia area, said the decision to remove Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed’s name from the Barpeta medical college was completely wrong and described it as a “communal decision.” She reminded that Ahmed had served as the President of India and said removing the name of such a respected figure from a medical institution was unacceptable.
Questioning the government’s reasoning, she said if objections were being raised against naming institutions after individuals, then the government should explain why several bridges and other projects were being named after specific persons. Rasul also stated that if the state cabinet implements the decision, she would approach the Gauhati High Court.
The move has also drawn criticism from political leaders and organisations. Manuj Zaman of the Raijor Dal termed the decision a “black day” for Assam, stating that Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed was not only a former President but also a freedom fighter whose contributions should be honoured.
Former Member of Parliament Abdul Khaleque also criticised the decision and questioned why a medical college could not bear the name of Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed if institutions could be named after leaders such as Narendra Modi. He also asked whether the decision had been taken because Ahmed belonged to the Muslim community.
Several organisations, including the Barpeta district unit of the Goria-Moria-Deshi National Council, alleged that the state government had repeatedly attempted to undermine prominent figures respected by indigenous Assamese Muslims, including figures such as Ajan Fakir and others.
In a statement, the state secretary of CPI (ML), Bibek Das, said removing the name of Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed from the medical college was an insult to the emotions and heritage of the Assamese people. He argued that naming institutions after distinguished personalities is a way of preserving their contributions and keeping their legacy alive.
Civil society organisations, including Assam Civil Society groups, the Indigenous Assamese Muslim Development Council and the Bagh Hazarika Jagaran Mancha, have also opposed the decision. In a joint statement, they demanded that the cabinet withdraw what they termed a “communal and anti-people decision.”
However, the decision has received support from some sections of the local community in Barpeta. Babul Chandra Das, Burhasattriya of the Barpeta Satra, said many local residents were satisfied with the decision to rename the medical college.
Responding to the criticism, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that any government decision would naturally attract both support and opposition. He argued that most government medical colleges in Assam are not named after individuals and questioned why the Barpeta institution should be an exception.
Sarma also claimed that during a recent visit to Barpeta during the Holi festival, many residents had requested him to change the name of the medical college, stating that the existing name created confusion among people who believed it was a private institution. He added that the government had taken the decision after considering public opinion and assured that a suitable programme would be organised in Guwahati to honour Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed.