BJP MLA Advocates for Delhi's Renaming to Indraprastha in Legislative Assembly
In a significant move during Friday's session of the Delhi assembly, BJP MLA Poonam Sharma from Wazirpur formally proposed that the national capital be renamed Indraprastha. This initiative aims to restore the city's ancient identity, drawing parallels to the recent renaming of Allahabad to Prayagraj. Sharma emphasized that adopting the name Indraprastha would liberate the city from colonial influences and reconnect it with its glorious historical roots.
Historical and Cultural Justification for the Name Change
Speaking under Rule 280, which permits MLAs to address urgent public matters without extensive prior notice, Sharma articulated that foreign invaders had historically attempted to erase the original identity of the city. However, Indraprastha continues to resonate in the collective memory of the people. She argued that this change would not only honor the city's heritage but also elevate its cultural stature on the global stage.
Sharma highlighted Delhi's rich history, tracing back to the Mahabharata era, with archaeological evidence from sites like the Old Fort (Purana Qila) supporting the claim that this land is where Dharmaraj established dharma. She pointed out that while the term 'Delhi' emerged later, Indraprastha forms the foundational identity of the region, backed by strong historical and cultural narratives.
Previous Proposals and Broader Initiatives
This proposal is not the first of its kind; earlier, Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal had submitted a similar suggestion to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. In addition to the name change, Sharma recommended establishing monuments and statues related to the Pandavas and the Mahabharata era around Purana Qila and other historical sites. This, she believes, would help the younger generation connect more deeply with their heritage.
Sharma also noted that Indraprastha is already in widespread use across various institutions in Delhi, such as Indraprastha University, Indraprastha Power Station, and IP Estate, indicating a natural acceptance and familiarity among residents.
Administrative Process and Recent Precedents
An official clarified that renaming a city in a Union territory like Delhi involves a structured process with the central government. It typically begins with a proposal or resolution from the Assembly, which is then forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor for review. Subsequently, it is sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for an assessment of administrative feasibility, with the final decision resting with the Centre.
Recent examples of name changes in Delhi include the Mayur Vihar Pocket-I metro station, which was renamed Shri Ram Mandir Mayur Vihar in February this year, and the Pitampura metro station, now called Madhuban Chowk. These changes followed recommendations by the state naming authority, chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, showcasing a precedent for such initiatives.
The proposal underscores a growing trend to reclaim historical identities, with Sharma's advocacy aiming to foster a renewed sense of pride and cultural continuity among Delhi's inhabitants.
