King Edward was King Kasab: Minister demands renaming of Mumbai hospital

Maharashtra minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, while backing a proposal to rename Mumbai's KEM Hospital, likened King Edward to terrorist Ajmal Kasab in the legislative council. The government, however, said no decision has yet been taken on changing the hospital's name.

In Short

• Shiv Sena UBT raised the KEM renaming issue in the council
• Sachin Ahir demanded Lodha-linked Trump Tower and World One be renamed
• Lodha said hospital visitors had asked him to suggest three names

Maharashtra minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, who has proposed to change the name of Mumbai's civic-run KEM Hospital, on Tuesday called British monarch King Edward, after whom the medical facility was named, as "King Kasab who looted India and killed lakhs of Indians." Speaking in the state legislative council, the BJP leader also said that those who support King Edward should be condemned.

Industries Minister Uday Samant, however, said no decision has been taken yet on changing the name of the hospital.

King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital, located in Parel area of central Mumbai, is named to honour British monarch King Edward VII. He was the eldest son of Queen Victoria and reigned from 1901 to 1910.

The hospital was established and inaugurated in 1926. With about 390 staff physicians and 550 resident doctors, the 1800-bed hospital currently treats about 1.8 million out-patients and 85,000 in-patients annually. It is funded mainly by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), as per the hospital's official website.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Milind Narvekar asked a question regarding the renaming of KEM in the council.

His party has been vehemently opposing the renaming of KEM Hospital as proposed by Lodha, who is state Skill Development Minister.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Sachin Ahir demanded that the 'Trump Tower' and 'World One', properties linked to the Lodha family, be renamed.

Hitting back, Lodha said when he went to the KEM Hospital, he suggested three (new) names (for the hospital) because people there requested him to do so.

Lodha said King Edward did not give any money and looted India.

He was "King Kasab" and killed lakhs of Indians, Lodha said, adding that those who support King Edward should be condemned.

Lodha was apparently referring to Ajmal Kasab, who was the only Pakistani terrorist captured alive after the devastating 26/11 attacks in Mumbai in 2008. He was executed by hanging in November 2012.

Meanwhile, replying to a question in the legislative council, Samant said there have been demands in favour of and also against renaming the KEM Hospital.

Samant, who is Industries Minister, pointed out that thousands have been given degrees and certificates in the name of KEM. He said the impact needs to be assessed if this decision is taken.

"The government's stand is clear that it will not go ahead till the issues are resolved. The government will do what Mumbaikars want," Samant said.

In a written reply to a question in the Upper House of the state legislature, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has received a request to rename the KEM Hospital and no decision has been taken on it. He said King Edward had donated money for the hospital.

Shiv Sena MLC Omprakash (Bachchu) Kadu said the name of the hospital is a symbol of British rule, which should be changed.

- Ends