Karnataka Assembly passes Bill to rename Bengaluru City University after Manmohan Singh
While the ruling Congress hailed the move as a fitting tribute to Manmohan Singh’s contributions to the nation, the Opposition BJP questioned the government’s approach.
2 min read
Former prime minister Manmohan Singh passed away at the age of 92. (Express Archive)The Karnataka Legislative Assembly Tuesday passed a Bill to rename Bengaluru City University after former prime minister Manmohan Singh. The Karnataka State Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2025, substitutes the name of the university in the Karnataka State Universities Act, 2000, with “Dr Manmohan Singh Bengaluru City University.”
The statement of objects and reasons attached to the Bill notes that the renaming seeks to “esteem the reputation of Dr. Manmohan Singh, distinguished economist, academician, bureaucrat and statesman who spearheaded economic reforms in the nation and served as Prime Minister of India for two successive terms.”
Despite Opposition protests, the Congress Government pushed the Bill through, with Higher Education Minister Dr M C Sudhakar maintaining that renaming Bengaluru City University after Singh was an honour that reflected his immense contribution to the country’s economic and political life.
While the ruling Congress hailed the move as a fitting tribute to Singh’s contributions to the nation, the Opposition BJP questioned the government’s approach.
Leader of Opposition R Ashoka argued that instead of renaming an existing institution, the government should establish a new university in Singh’s name. “Naming an existing university after Dr Manmohan Singh does not do justice to his stature. A new university would have been a more meaningful tribute,” Ashoka said.
BJP MLA Suresh Gowda also criticised the decision, saying the government had overlooked other leaders who deserved recognition. He suggested that Tumkur University could have been named after Shivakumar Swamiji, revered as “Nadedaduva Devaru” (walking God) by his followers.
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