In the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament, AamAadmi Party (AAP) member Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal raised an important issue regarding the persistence of British colonial legacies in India. Despite the country’s 77 years of political independence, the names of several high courts, roads, educational institutions, and historical monuments continue to bear the marks of colonial rule.
Dr. Mittal further pointed out that even in Prayagraj, where the city was renamed to reflect its rich Indian heritage, the high court and university still retain the name Allahabad. “Moreover, the Lok Sabha constituency continues to be referred to as Allahabad, which stands in contradiction to the nationalist sentiment behind the city’s renaming. This is a matter that must be considered on a national level, especially as India today stands as a stronger and more prosperous economy, surpassing Britain in several key global indicators. Dr. Mittal also called for a thorough review of the over 3,600+ monuments currently protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Some of these monuments, such as the Governor-General Warren Hasting’s residence and the grave of Lieutenant Edward—an individual involved in the brutal suppression of the 1857 revolt—are reminders of India’s colonial subjugation. “It is time to reconsider the ongoing protection of monuments that commemorate figures who played a role in the oppression of our people,” Dr. Mittal remarked.
Dr. Mittal raised concerns over prominent monuments such as the Gateway of India and India Gate, which continue to bear names associated with British colonial figures. In Delhi, roads like Hailey Road and Minto Road remain named after British officials, perpetuating the colonial narrative. Dr. Mittal emphasized that we still have iconic high courts and institutions like the Bombay High Court, Madras High Court, Kolkata High Court, and Lady Hardinge Medical College, which continue to carry the names of British colonial figures.
Dr. Mittal appealed to the government for swift action and urged the creation of a focused parliamentary committee to address this important issue. Dr. Mittal also expressed his commitment to personally addressing this matter with state governments in regions like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, where institutions such as Calcutta University and Madras University still bear colonial names.