• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Maharashtra News: The Maharashtra government has decided to change the name of Islampur town in Sangli district to Ishwarpur. A proposal regarding the same has been forwarded to the Central government for final approval. State Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal informed the legislative assembly about the decision on Friday.

The renaming proposal was cleared during a cabinet meeting held on Thursday. Bhujbal clarified that the authority to approve name changes lies with the Centre and the state has completed its part by sending the recommendation.

ALSO READ: Maharashtra Shocker: Man Held For Pushing Woman To Death In Front Of Moving Train At Diva Railway Station

This step follows a memorandum submitted by Shiv Pratisthan, a Hindutva group headed by Sambhaji Bhide, demanding that Islampur be renamed to reflect what they claim is its original identity. The organisation's supporters have insisted they will continue to push for the change until it is officially implemented.

A local Shiv Sena leader stated that the demand for renaming Islampur has existed since 1986. The town is now part of a growing list of places in Maharashtra that have undergone name changes, including Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Osmanabad to Dharashiv and Ahmednagar to Ahilyanagar.

The decision has sparked criticism from opposition parties. Congress MLA Aslam Shaikh questioned the state’s priorities, pointing out that residents still lack basic amenities such as clean drinking water, good roads, gardens and public spaces. He said the government should focus on improving the living conditions of the people rather than changing names.

ALSO READ: Uddhav Thackeray's Reaction To CM Fadnavis' Offer To Join Mahayuti: 'Yeh Andar Ki Baat Hai'

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve also criticised the move, accusing the government of creating division among communities. Similarly, NCP (SCP) leader Jayant Patil argued that only a small group had pushed for the name change and that the general public was not in favour of it.

In contrast, leaders from the ruling Mahayuti alliance have defended the decision. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the demand was long-pending and added that Ishwarpur was the town’s original name. He said the government had responded to people’s sentiments.

The announcement was made on the final day of the monsoon session in the Maharashtra legislature.