AHMEDABAD: Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, backlash is now spilling over to Turkey—Islamabad’s vocal ally—fueling nationalist pushback on home soil.
In Gujarat’s Surat city, local fury has turned toward neighborhoods long bearing names like 'Turkeywad,' 'Pakistan,' and 'Bangladesh.' Riding this wave of sentiment, the Surat BJP MP has formally urged the Municipal Commissioner to erase these names, pressing the Surat Municipal Corporation to strip any symbolic trace of nations now under public ire.
In a letter, Lok Sabha MP Mukesh Dalal stated, “Generally, there is some history behind the naming of streets, neighborhoods, main roads or settlements in cities. These names often reflect the historical, geographical, or cultural identity of the area. They are typically named after great personalities of the nation, state, or city—socio-political leaders or national martyrs—with the intent that future generations should recognize and remember them for their contributions.”
Expressing concern over certain place names in Surat, he added, “It is sad and surprising that many areas of Surat city are known by names associated with countries that are considered enemies of India. Why should we allow names that reflect nations which promote and support terrorism against India, encourage fanatical communalism, create instability, and pose a threat to the unity and integrity of our country?”
In his letter, Lok Sabha MP Mukesh Dalal wrote, “Today, many areas in the city are known by the names of enemy countries like Turkeywad, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. This is an insult to the brave soldiers of our country and to the people of Surat.”
Referring to recent events, he added, “On one hand, after the cowardly act committed by terrorists loyal to Pakistan in Pahalgam, the brave soldiers of our nation—under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi—are showing immense courage by eliminating terrorists and destroying their bases. On the other hand, allowing such names in Surat city is completely unacceptable.”
Dalal demanded immediate action, stating, “A list should be prepared of all areas in the city that bear names of enemy countries like Turkeywad, Pakistan, or Bangladesh. These names must be removed and replaced with appropriate nationalist names that reflect the sentiments and aspirations of the people.”
BJP MP Mukesh Dalal, who grabbed headlines during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, made political history even before a single vote was cast. On April 22, 2024, Dalal was declared elected unopposed from Surat after seven candidates withdrew and the Congress nominee's affidavit was rejected—clearing the field entirely.
This dramatic turn of events made Dalal the first MP to enter the 18th Lok Sabha without a contest, marking a rare and headline-grabbing political sweep.