Jama Masjid becomes Mankameshwar ahead of metro operations in Agra

The ultra-right government led by Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh is known for its efforts to rename places with Muslim associations, seen as an attempt to erase Muslim identities from the state, as evidenced by the recent renaming of the Jama Masjid metro station in Agra to Mankameshwar metro station.

With preparations for the commencement of metro train operations underway, the government’s decision comes as part of an initiative to honour the nearby ancient Mankameshwar Temple.

The change, initiated by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has been confirmed by UPMRC Deputy General Manager Panchanan Mishra.

The renaming, which was initially proposed by Chief Minister Adityanath in July 2022, has now been officially implemented, just ahead of the inauguration of the priority corridor of the Agra Metro by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February.

The Mankameshwar metro station, formerly known as Jama Masjid, will serve as a pivotal point on the first Agra metro corridor, highlighting the rich tapestry of Agra's cultural landscape.

This decision has been met with both support and some opposition, with discussions emerging about the preservation of historical names versus embracing cultural diversity and inclusivity.