The long-standing demand to rename Delhi’s roads that bear controversial names is gradually taking shape. The latest development is in Tughlaq Lane, where new nameplates displaying “Swami Vivekananda Marg” are being installed at various residences, with “Tughlaq Lane” written in smaller letters beneath.
Among the officials whose homes now bear the updated nameplate are Union Minister and Faridabad MP Krishan Pal Gurjar, Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Dinesh Sharma, and Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh.
Speaking on why he changed his nameplate, Krishan Pal Gurjar said, "Swami Vivekananda is an ideal for the youth of this country. Hundreds of years ago in Chicago, he made a place for India before the world in 'Dharm Sansad.' Such great personalities are the ideals of this country, and the sentiments of the country are attached to them."
The minister also added, "It (the name change) is not official yet, but it is our faith. We have also inscribed Swami Vivekananda's name, along with what has been officially approved by the government."
BJP MP Dr. Dinesh Sharma, who also changed the name of the road on his nameplate, stated, “I did not put it up alone; others had already installed it. Tughlaq was a chaotic ruler. While not all non-Hindu rulers were bad, his policies caused suffering.” He also emphasized that name changes should be based on contributions rather than religion, citing examples like APJ Abdul Kalam and Abdul Hamid.
However, not all houses in Tughlaq Lane have received the new nameplate yet. While some still display the old signage, newly allotted government residences are being given nameplates that only mention Swami Vivekananda Marg.
The renaming of roads with controversial names has been a recurring discussion in Delhi. Previously, Aurangzeb Road was renamed Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Road, and part of Humayun Road became Dalmia Marg. The ongoing changes at Tughlaq Lane suggest that a formal government decision may be imminent.