Hyderabad: A political row has erupted in Telangana after the State government proposed naming a key stretch near the United States Consulate General in Hyderabad as ‘Donald Trump Avenue’, drawing sharp criticism from the BJP. The move is part of a wider government initiative to name major roads after global corporations, influential leaders and prominent personalities.

Proposal to honour Donald Trump triggers political backlash

According to government sources, the high-profile road adjacent to the US Consulate in Hyderabad’s bustling Financial District is set to be named after former US President Donald Trump. The proposal, which has not yet received final approval, has already stirred intense debate.

The BJP strongly criticised the decision, with Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar accusing the Congress-led government of prioritising superficial gestures over meaningful policy.
He said Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy appeared to be “renaming places after whoever trends”, instead of focusing on governance.

Mr. Kumar said, “If the Congress government is so eager to change names, they might as well start with something that actually has history and meaning. What a sad state of affairs… On one side there is #Twittertillu making AI statues of KCR, and on the other is Revanth Reddy renaming places after whoever trends.”

He added that only the BJP was raising real issues through its ongoing Maha Dharna campaign and called for renaming Hyderabad as Bhagyanagar, a long-standing demand of the party.

Government to name new radial road after Ratan Tata

In addition to the Donald Trump Avenue proposal, the Telangana government has decided to name a newly planned greenfield radial road along the proposed Regional Ring Road (RRR) after the late industrialist Ratan Tata. Sources said the move is meant to honour his legacy, philanthropic work and contributions to India’s industrial growth.

The naming initiative was reportedly discussed at high levels within the State government and communicated to officials for further processing.

Revanth Reddy’s plan to name roads after global tech giants

The proposals stem from an earlier announcement by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy during the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) conclave held in New Delhi.
There, he suggested naming major roads in Hyderabad after leading multinational companies as a symbolic gesture recognising their contributions to the city’s tech ecosystem.

Under this initiative:

  • A key road near Google’s upcoming Hyderabad campus — expected to become the tech giant’s largest office outside the United States — will be named ‘Google Street’.
  • Additional proposals include ‘Microsoft Road’ and ‘Wipro Junction’, acknowledging the long-term presence and investments of these companies in the region.

According to officials, the State intends to use these names to reinforce Hyderabad’s image as a global tech hub and to encourage deeper partnerships with international corporations.

More recognitions under consideration

The State government is reportedly evaluating further naming proposals to honour distinguished individuals, national contributors and multinational corporations.
Officials say the broader goal is to reflect Hyderabad’s evolving identity as both a technology powerhouse and a city that values global partnerships.

However, the growing list of naming announcements has prompted criticism from the Opposition, which alleges that the government is prioritising optics over structural development and civic improvements.

BJP calls move unnecessary, demands priority for core issues

BJP leaders argue that naming roads after foreign personalities, especially controversial political figures, is unnecessary and politically tone-deaf.
They say such decisions should be rooted in local culture, history and public sentiment.

The BJP has also questioned the lack of transparency in the selection process and accused the ruling party of using road naming as a political distraction.

Traffic advisory for Hyderabad ahead of Global Rising Summit

Meanwhile, Hyderabad Police issued a traffic advisory for December 8 and 9 in view of the Telangana Global Rising Summit 2047, which is expected to witness high traffic density and movement of VVIP convoys.

Authorities warn of heavy congestion near ORR Exit 15 at Pedda Golconda and restricted access during specific hours. Commuters have been advised to take alternative routes, plan their travel in advance, and follow police instructions.

Additional police personnel will be deployed, and signboards placed at key spots to regulate movement and guide motorists.

Conclusion

While the Telangana government frames the naming proposals as a celebration of global partnerships and prominent contributors, the BJP views it as politically misguided. As discussions continue, the controversy highlights the growing intersection of local politics, global branding, and public sentiment in one of India’s fastest-growing metropolitan cities.