Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has recommended naming the upcoming Shivajinagar station of Bengaluru Metro after St. Mary. However, his decision has created controversy.
Published: September 11, 2025 12:52 PM IST
A controversy has arisen over the proposal to name Shivaji Nagar Metro Station in Karnataka’s capital Bengaluru after St. Mary. People have strongly opposed this decision of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. A debate has started on this issue on social media. People are asking why the metro station was not named after the late Kannada actor-director Shankar Nag. Let us know everything about this matter.
Why did the debate start?
According to The Indian Express, this entire debate started when CM Siddaramaiah assured Archbishop Peter Machado during the annual banquet at St. Mary’s Basilica on Monday that the government would consider naming the upcoming Pink Line station after St. Mary. CM Siddaramaiah has also promised financial assistance for the renovation of the basilica during this time. CM Siddaramaiah has said that this proposal will be presented to the central government and the request will be acted upon as per proper procedures.
What did people say on social media?
On X, a user wrote, “This is shameful. Why does Karnataka government want to name the metro station as St. Mary’s? Why not name it after Kannada people like Shankar Nag or other deserving people?” Another user wrote, “Why does Karnataka government’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah want to name the metro as St. Mary’s? So many people from Kannada community have done so much for our land culture, why not name it after them?”
Shivajinagar area MLA Rizwan Arshad in an interview said, “I am formally proposing to name the metro station Shivajinagar St. Mary’s. This is in honor of the iconic St. Mary’s Basilica, which has a rich history. The Basilica is located near the Shivajinagar bus depot, and there will be no scope for confusion for passengers as well.” The MLA further said that many such stations are coming up which can be named after Shankar Nag.
Who was Shankar Nag?
Shankar Nag was a famous Kannada actor-director. According to information, Nag had studied metro rail networks in other countries in the 1980s. He strongly advocated for an urban rail transport system in Bengaluru. People say that Shankar Nag wanted to make Bengaluru like Singapore.
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