Mumbai, April 28: The debate over the potential renaming of the renowned King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital in Mumbai has intensified, with political statements emerging from various quarters. Minister Uday Sawant emphasized on Tuesday that comprehensive information should be gathered before any decision is made regarding the name change.
Speaking to reporters, Sawant stated, “I do not know if the name of KEM Hospital is to be changed or not. It would be better to gather information first and then discuss this matter.”
In a separate discussion about promoting Maharashtra’s MSMEs, he noted, “This summit has been very beneficial for Maharashtra’s MSMEs. We have signed 20 MOUs, with 10-15 crore being the value of some. This is just the beginning, and we will have similar programs in Nagpur, Pune, and Kolhapur, leading to more MOUs that will support MSMEs.”
On the topic of making the Marathi language mandatory, Sawant remarked, “This word ‘power’—if we express our emotions, it is a good thing. Because anyone who becomes a district officer, SP, or CO also takes a Marathi exam. Therefore, everyone living in Maharashtra should know Marathi.”
NCP-SP leader and spokesperson Mahesh Taapse responded sharply to the proposal of renaming KEM Hospital, stating, “I would say that facilities should be improved. Changing the name is easy, but enhancing services and making them more accessible requires effort.”
Regarding an incident in Naya Nagar, Mira Road, Taapse asserted, “Mumbai, Maharashtra, and India will not tolerate any form of communalism or terrorist attacks. Any necessary action by the administration will be carried out with full rigor.”
Commenting on Home Minister Amit Shah‘s statement about maintaining armed forces in Bengal for 60 days after the elections, Taapse said, “I have read Home Minister Amit Shah‘s statement. It is clear what message he wants to convey to the people of Bengal.”