Guwahati: Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president and Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Thursday criticised the Assam government's decision to remove the name of former President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed from the Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital in Barpeta, describing the move as an insult to a distinguished Assamese personality and freedom fighter.
In a statement posted on social media, Gogoi expressed concern over the decision, stating that it undermines the legacy of one of Assam's most prominent leaders.
"The Assam government's decision to remove the name of Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed from the Barpeta Medical College is extremely unfortunate and deeply hurtful to the sentiments of the people of Assam," Gogoi said.
He said Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed was not only a respected freedom fighter but also the first Assamese to serve as the President of India, and added that the decision amounted to a serious insult.
"What could be the justification for removing his name from Barpeta Medical College, which was named in honor of such a respected son of Assam? Or is this yet another attempt by the Chief Minister to pursue communal politics and create religious polarization for vote-bank interests by removing the name of the late former President?" the post read.
Gogoi also urged the state government to reconsider the decision and retain the name of Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed for the Barpeta medical college. He emphasised that recognising the contributions of eminent personalities from Assam and preserving their legacy is a collective responsibility.
"Respecting the history of Assam, its pride, and the contributions of its great personalities is the responsibility and duty of every citizen of the state," the post further read.
Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, who served as the fifth President of India from 1974 until his death in 1977, is remembered for his role in the freedom movement and for representing Assam at the country's highest constitutional office.
Earlier, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had defended the state cabinet's decision to rename the Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital. He said the move was taken to ensure uniformity in the naming of government medical colleges across the state.
Sarma said that most state-run medical colleges in Assam are named after their geographical locations, and the decision was intended to bring the Barpeta institution in line with that convention.