CHENNAI: PMK founder S Ramadoss on Monday urged the State government to name newly constructed and expanded bus terminals after historically significant kings and freedom fighters associated with the respective regions.

In a statement, Ramadoss said the Municipal Administration Department is developing new bus terminals across the State and stressed that these public facilities should honour local rulers and leaders who played a key role in regional history.

Citing Dharmapuri, historically known as Tagadur, Ramadoss said the region was ruled by the Adhiyaman kings of the Mazhavar Perungkudi lineage from the Sangam era to the later Chola period. He noted that Tagadur Adhiyaman was one of the Kadai Ezhu Vallalgal (the last seven great philanthropists) and urged that the new terminal there be named “Mazhavar Perumagan Vallal Adhiyaman New Bus Terminal.”

Similarly, he pointed out that Tindivanam, earlier known as Oyma Nadu, was ruled during the Sangam period by King Oymaan Nalliyakodan and called for the new bus terminal to be named after him.

For Mayiladuthurai, Ramadoss urged the government to honour freedom fighter Sami Nagappa Padaiyatchiyar by naming the new bus terminal after him. He also said bus terminals proposed at Kallakurichi, Ulundurpet and Tirukoilur should be named after kings associated with those regions.

Alleging that the State government has failed to adequately honour the kings of north Tamil Nadu and freedom fighters, Ramadoss said naming public infrastructure after them was essential to preserve Tamil history for future generations.