BJP MP questions Ambedkar's middle name 'Ramji' in UP state records

Raising question over the Uttar Pradesh Government's decision to add Dr BR Ambedkar's middle name 'Ramji' in all state records, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Udit Raj on Thursday said that it would create controversy unnecessarily.

Speaking to ANI, Raj said, 'I don't find any reason to change his name, it's an individual's freedom to decide how he wants to be known, Why create a controversy unnecessarily''The Dalit leader also expressed displeasure on behalf of the community.

In a decision, which is likely to create ripples in Uttar Pradesh's political scenario, the Yogi Adityanath government has decided to insert 'Ramji' as the middle name of Dr BR Ambedkar in all official communication.

The order was passed on Wednesday and has been approved by the Governor. Hence from now, documents and records with ' Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar' will be changed to 'Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar', reports ANI.

The Hindi spelling of the name of author of India's constitution is also being changed. In Hindi, it will be spelled in such a way so that name is pronounced as 'Aambedkar'.

The spelling change has been done on behest of Governor Ram Naik who even wrote to PM Modi, state government about the 'incorrect spelling' of Ambedkar. Ramji is being added as middle name as it was the name of Dr Ambedkar's father. It is common in Maharashtra to add father's name as the middle name. Dr Ambedkar who became a guiding light of Dalit movement in the country hailed from Maharashtra.

The circular given by UP government says, "Documents related to the government will now have his correct name", taking cognizanxe of the Eight Schedule of the constitution.