Correspondent

NewsBits.in

BHOPAL: Controversy has erupted as India's national emblem was removed from the new logo of the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC), and Mayor Alok Sharma is at the centre of this row.

In an apparent hurry to change the existing logo, the national emblem--the lions on Ashoka pillar, which is the state emblem of India, was removed from the new Bhopal civic body logo.

The old logo had the national emblem as well as Sanchi stupa and the fish insignia. However, Sharma wanted the fish isnignia to go as he felt it was linked to Bhopal's past history of Nawabi rule. Strangely, in this hurry, image of Raja Bhoj, the king who ruled from his capital Dhar, was brought on the new logo but the national emblem was not kept.

No wonder, there is strong reaction and criticism over the move. Congress workers staged a protest at ISBT and later gave a memorandum to the Commissioner, BMC, demanding action in this regard. The party leaders said that it was sad that national emblem was no longer present on the logo.

They said that it was a violation of the norms, especially, as it concerned the national symbol. Earlier, despite opposition's objections, the BMC had passed the propsal to change the logo. Several city-based groups have expressed anger and outrage over the removal of the emblem.

Among the organisations Insani Biradari, NSPR and several other groups have approached authorities. Memorandums were handed over to the Collector, BMC Commissioner and other officials in this regard. Munawwal Ali Khan, Abid Khan and many others were present.

Legislator Arif Masood said that citizens had an attachment with the old logo, and the sudden decision is strange and against popular sentiment. Besides, other groups and organisations have also condemned the move and said that the old logo should be restored and national emblem along with Sanchi stupa and fish must remain.