Why Hyderabad's Donald Trump Avenue road has left Congress under fire from BJP and the Left

A major road in Hyderabad’s Financial District, previously known as US Consulate Road, has been officially renamed "Donald Trump Avenue".

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and US Ambassador Sergio Gor unveiled a ceremonial plaque to mark the occasion.

The move coincides with celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The Telangana government said the name honours the United States and highlights the city's growing importance in the US-India partnership, particularly in sectors such as aerospace and artificial intelligence.

Fury on the streets

The decision has sparked a fierce political storm.

The renaming has provoked a wave of anger from India’s Left parties, which view the US President as a "global war monger". Rallies organised by groups such as the CPI and CPM saw protesters marching through the city, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the name. Opponents argue that Trump’s policies, particularly high tariffs on Indian goods and his stance on international sovereignty, make him an unfit choice for an Indian landmark. Some critics even questioned why revolutionary figures such as Bhagat Singh were not chosen instead. They contend that Trump's "America First" agenda has directly "drilled holes into the pockets of Indians".

The hypocrisy charge

The Congress party now finds itself caught between its state-level actions and its national rhetoric. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla questioned why the Congress government in Telangana is giving the "ultimate tribute" to Trump while their national leader, Rahul Gandhi, accuses the US President of hurting Indian interests. Adding to the pressure, BRS leader Dasoju Sravan Kumar accused the state government of "private franchisee politics." In an open letter, he asked if the state wing had abandoned the national party’s ideology. He pointed to recent Congress statements at the national level that claimed the Trump administration treats India with "condescension" and speaks in a "language of command." Sravan Kumar questioned whether the party had replaced its national ideology with "private franchisee politics".

Congress has defended the move, stating that it demonstrates Hyderabad’s pivotal role in driving global technology and trade cooperation. Party leaders argue that the gesture is about the strength of the India-US relationship rather than individual politics.

Interestingly, despite this "ultimate tribute", Donald Trump has never visited Hyderabad during his time in office. This stands in contrast to former US Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, both of whom made high-profile visits to the technology hub during their respective terms.

For now, the road remains a symbol of a deep strategic partnership for some and a sign of political betrayal for others.