Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), 18 September 2024
In a recent visit to Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair), Mr. Govind Mohan, Home Secretary of India, was briefed on a number of pressing issues by Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, the Member of Parliament representing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. During a meeting with Home Secretary at the Chief Secretary’s Office, Mr. Ray expressed concerns regarding decisions being made for the islands without his consultation, including the renaming of Port Blair to ‘Sri Vijaya Puram.’
According to a press release from Mr. Ray’s office, the MP emphasised his dissatisfaction on not being consulted on the decision. People who have no stake in the island are recommending the name, Mr. Ray remarked, highlighting what he believes to be external influence in decisions affecting the local population.
Additionally, Mr. Ray voiced frustration over not being consulted regarding development plans for Ross and Viper Islands, stating that decision has been made without discussions with him. He reminded the Home Secretary that he had previously played a pivotal role in saving Viper Island during the Congress regime, implying his deep involvement and commitment to the region’s welfare.
The meeting also covered several other issues concerning the residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Mr. Ray’s interactions with the Home Secretary reflect growing tensions over governance in the islands, particularly regarding the exclusion of local representatives from major decision-making processes.