Controversy Erupts as Jharkhand Renames Clinics, Replacing Atal with Mother Teresa

A recent cabinet decision by the Jharkhand government to rename the ‘Atal Mohalla Clinic’ network to ‘Mother Teresa Advance Health Clinic’ has ignited a political storm. The BJP has condemned the move as an insult to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, criticizing the government for what they perceive as appeasement. The state’s Health Minister, Dr. Irfan Ansari, has defended the decision, highlighting Mother Teresa’s contributions to healthcare. The BJP’s opposition stems from concerns about alleged conversion activities associated with Mother Teresa’s organization, as detailed in books by authors like Christopher Hitchens. The original ‘Atal Mohalla Clinics’ were launched in 2019 by the previous government to offer primary health services in urban areas, serving a crucial role in providing free medical care.