Ever since the Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday renamed the historic city of Allahabad as Prayagraj, memes and funny jokes have been going viral on social media. The decision which comes ahead of the Kumbh Mela 2019 which will take place in January next year has been severely criticised. People on Twitter had a field day as images of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, PM Narendra Modi along with BJP President Amit Shah in funny situations was circulated widely on different social media platforms.

Talking about renaming, UP Cabinet minister Siddhartha Nath Singh said, "This (renaming) was done on the insistence of the public and the saints of Allahabad. In a meeting regarding the Kumbh Mela two days ago, the chief minister had also insisted on the same. Another thing discussed today was that the renaming should be done before the Kumbh Mela, so it is very pleasing that the city will be known as Prayagraj from now on." Allahabad Becomes Prayagraj: Know the History Behind the Name

Here are some of the Twitter reactions:

Yogi renames the King of Pop

Taking a dig at the decision of the UP government, the comedy group, East India Comedy (EIC) shares posters of popular Bollywood movies changing some of the names. Some other popular names have also refurbished with fresh jokes to fit the new scenario.

Defending the government's stand, "The city used to be known as Prayagraj since the beginning. Around 500 years ago, the name was changed. To those who are opposing the decision, how would you feel if the name your parents gave you was to be changed?"

"You should choose your words wisely"

We pity all Prayagrajs

Do you think Putin likes his new name?

Criticising the government's move, Congress spokesperson Onkar Singh said that the place where Kumbh is held is already called Prayagraj and if the government is so eager, they can make it a separate city, but the name of Allahabad should not be changed. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav also criticised the movie. The Congress said that changing the name would affect the history of Allahabad that has played a significant role since the Independence day struggle.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 18, 2018 05:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).