Jewar Airport Should Be Named After Farmers’ Messiah Chaudhary Charan Singh: Ashok Vishwakarma
Opposes proposal to rename Noida International Airport after Narendra Modi; urges UP government to honour the contribution of 25,000 farmers
Varanasi: Ashok Kumar Vishwakarma, National President of the All India United Vishwakarma Shilpkar Mahasabha and State Vice President of the Congress OBC Department in Uttar Pradesh, has opposed the Uttar Pradesh government’s reported proposal to rename the Noida International Airport at Jewar as Narendra Modi International Airport.
Vishwakarma said the airport stands on land acquired from 18 villages, involving 5,428 hectares and approximately 25,000 farmers. He asserted that the contribution and sacrifices of these farmers must be recognised and honoured.
“The farmers who sacrificed their agricultural land, homes and generations of livelihoods for this airport deserve respect. Since the airport has been built on farmers’ land, it should be named after a leader who dedicated his life to their welfare,” Vishwakarma said.
He demanded that the airport be named Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Jewar, in honour of Bharat Ratna awardee, former Prime Minister and renowned farmers’ leader Chaudhary Charan Singh.
Describing Chaudhary Charan Singh as a leader who represented not only the Jat community but also farmers, labourers and the OBC community, Vishwakarma said naming the airport after him would be a meaningful tribute to thousands of farmers in the region. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed great respect for Chaudhary Charan Singh, making the proposed name appropriate.
Vishwakarma further pointed out that farmers affected by the project are still awaiting fulfilment of promises relating to 7% developed plots, employment and rehabilitation. He said the government should take their concerns seriously and respect their sentiments.
He appealed to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to reconsider the proposal and amend the recommendation sent to the Central Government, demanding that the airport be named Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Jewar.