Chhattisgarh to rename Naya Raipur as Atal Nagar

Raipur (Chhattisgarh): In the memory of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Chhattisgarh Government has decided to rename Naya Raipur as Atal Nagar. Besides this, the BJP-ruled state has also decided to rename few other places and institutions.

Speaking to media on Tuesday, Chief Minister Raman Singh said, "On the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a motion of condolence has been passed to rename some places after him. Naya Raipur will be renamed as Atal Nagar, Bilaspur University as Atal Bihari Vajpayee University and Narrow Gauge Line as Atal Path."

Besides this, a Central Park, being constructed beside the Collectorate, will be named as Atal Park and Rajnandgaon Medical College will also be renamed after the Bharat Ratna.

Vajpayee passed away at the age of 93 on August 16 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi after a period of prolonged illness.

"Atal ji played a crucial role in the formation of Chhattisgarh. For Atal ji's contribution to Pokhran Nuclear Test, a police battalion will be named as Pokhran Battalion," the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister said.

Vajpayee, the 10th Prime Minister of India, was cremated on August 17 with full state honour at Smriti Sthal in New Delhi.