Mangaluru: Legislative Council Member Ivan D’Souza on Monday warned of an intensified agitation if the historic name “Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilisers (MCF)” is not immediately reinstated on the factory nameboard, alleging that the name has disappeared since October last year. Addressing a press conference organised by the Save MCF Name Struggle Committee, he said any attempt to alter the long-standing identity of MCF would not be tolerated and that authorities would be forced to intervene if there was no response from the management.

Warning of direct action if name not restored

Speaking strongly, Ivan D’Souza said the name “MCF” carries deep emotional, social and historical significance for the people of the region. “Under no circumstances should the historic name MCF be changed. It must be restored immediately. If there is no response, we will seek the intervention of the Deputy Commissioner. If required, we will bring the in-charge minister to the spot. I myself will go to the factory and, if possible, remove the altered nameboard,” he warned, urging the management not to force such a situation.

He said the removal of the name had hurt public sentiment and would inevitably lead to protests if corrective action was not taken without delay.

Emotional bond between MCF and the people

D’Souza recalled his long association with the struggles faced by the fertiliser unit. “I have fought for the survival of MCF. When there was an ammonia shortage, I raised the issue in the House and ensured that raw materials were not cut. Our own people have lost their lives in accidents here. Changing the name of such an institution, with which we share an emotional bond, is completely wrong,” he said.

He added that if public sentiment continued to be ignored, the people would not remain silent and a protest would be inevitable.

Civic support to the factory highlighted

Pointing to the support extended by the city over the decades, D’Souza said the Mangaluru City Corporation continues to supply water to the factory even today, despite facing drinking water shortages. He criticised the trend of renaming institutions under contractual or corporate pretexts.

Referring to the renaming of Mangaluru International Airport, he said, “The roads and land are ours; they are the ones who made profits. Such name changes cannot be accepted.” He argued that corporate entities cannot ignore the local identity and contribution of the region that supported their growth.

‘Mangala Urea’ remains a trusted brand

Emphasising the brand value of MCF products, D’Souza said “Mangala Urea” continues to be a trusted name among farmers. “Even during the COVID period, it was the people of this region who supported the factory by providing water. The land and roads are ours, but the profits went to them. Even today, Mangala Urea is a brand name for farmers,” he said.

Drawing a comparison, he pointed out that a Zuari company in Goa produced urea under its own name, which farmers allegedly did not accept, eventually leading to its shutdown. “Mangala is our product, our farmers’ factory. We will not accept a new name every day,” he asserted.

Legacy of MCF since 1971

D’Souza traced the long history of MCF, stating that it was established as a joint venture in 1971 and has a legacy of 55 years. Despite being under government ownership for 15 years and private ownership for 35 years, the name “MCF” was never changed until now.

He said the factory was built on the sacrifice of local land, water and environment, and has been an integral part of the region’s identity. “It is a symbol of pride and has provided employment to thousands of local youth over the decades,” he added.

From crisis to revival and merger

MCF began ammonia and urea production in 1976. Over the years, it faced several challenges and was declared a sick industrial unit in 1996. However, with the support of banks and stakeholders, it was revived and eventually became a profitable enterprise.

D’Souza alleged that after the unit came under the Birla Group in 2015, it was merged with the Adventz group’s Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals in October last year. “It is after this merger that the MCF name was allegedly erased,” he claimed.

Former employees join struggle

Highlighting the growing opposition to the name change, D’Souza said more than 500 former employees have come forward to fight to save the MCF name. “They are not seeking any personal benefit. This is purely a struggle to protect the identity and legacy of MCF,” he said.

He warned that if the name is not restored immediately, the agitation would be intensified in the coming days.

Committee members present

Members of the Save MCF Name Struggle Committee, including Maxim Allied, Muhammad Ali, Shahul Hameed, Suresh B.K., Gopinath, Isaac Vaz and others, were present at the press conference and expressed unanimous support for restoring the MCF name.

Conclusion

The demand to restore the historic MCF name has gained momentum, with public representatives, former employees and citizen groups rallying together. With strong warnings of protests and administrative intervention, the issue is expected to draw wider attention unless the management acts swiftly to address the concerns raised.