NEW DELHI, June 15 (Xinhua) -- A lawmaker from India's ruling rightwing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded that Gateway of India in Mumbai city be renamed as "Bharat Dwar."
The lawmaker from western Indian state of Maharashtra Raj Purohit described Gateway of India as symbol of "slavery."
"By renaming it we will be paying tributes to the martyrs of freedom struggle," Purohit told media in Mumbai. "I met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and submitted a letter stating my demand. He said he will look into the matter and forward my letter to the chief secretary."
According to Purohit, the monument served as "Get Away from India" for the British after the first British ship sailed from India to Britain.
"We have renamed Bombay to Mumbai, Malabar Hill to Walkeshwar and Victoria Terminus to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Why should this monument, which reminds us of slavery under the British rule, not be renamed."
Gateway of India built in 1924 is one of the most distinguished landmarks of Mumbai. The monument overlooking the Arabian sea over the years has emerged as a popular tourist destination.
