THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, May 9: The recent decision by the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government to rename Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University (DSPMU) as Veer Budhu Bhagat University has sparked significant political controversy. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly opposed the move, labelling it a politically driven attempt to erase the legacy of a national figure and questioning the government’s motives.
Historical Significance of DSPMU
Originally established in 1926 as Ranchi College, the institution has been a cornerstone of higher education in the region. It became a constituent unit of Ranchi University upon its creation in 1960. It was later upgraded to a state university in 2017, adopting the name Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University when Raghubar Das was at the helm.
Veer Budhu Bhagat: A Tribal Freedom Fighter
Veer Budhu Bhagat, born on 17 February 1792 in Silagai village of Ranchi district, was a prominent tribal leader who led the Kol rebellion against British colonial rule in 1831–32. He is revered for his role in resisting British oppression and is considered a significant figure in Jharkhand’s tribal history
BJP’s Stance
BJP State President and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi criticised the renaming, stating that it undermines the contributions of both Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and Veer Budhu Bhagat. He argued that the government should have established a new university to honour Budhu Bhagat instead of renaming an existing institution, thereby preserving the legacies of both figures.
“Such steps undermine the stability of institutions and respect for history,” Marandi said. “This decision is neither in honour of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee ji nor does it give due respect to the contribution of the great freedom fighter Veer Budhu Bhagat.”
BJP spokesperson Ajay Sah echoed these sentiments, accusing the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) government of engaging in “political drama” and neglecting genuine respect for tribal heroes. He cited previous instances where the government named infrastructure projects after political figures rather than tribal leaders, suggesting a pattern of politicisation.
Call for Reconsideration
The BJP has demanded that the state government withdraw the renaming decision and instead announce the establishment of a new university in honour of Veer Budhu Bhagat. They assert that such a move would be a meaningful tribute to the freedom fighter and would contribute to the educational development of the state.
“The government will have our full support in this positive initiative, as it will provide new educational opportunities to the youth of the state and the legacy of Veer Budhu Bhagat Ji will be meaningfully preserved,” Marandi added.
