Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced a sweeping renaming initiative, changing the names of 15 places across four districts. The move, according to Dhami, aligns with public sentiment and aims to honor figures who played key roles in preserving Indian culture.
A Political and Cultural Statement
The name changes span across Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar districts. In Haridwar alone, multiple localities will see new names: Aurangzebpur will become Shivaji Nagar, while places like Gajiwali, Chandpur, and Khanpur will also receive names reflecting historical and cultural identities.
This decision, described by the BJP as a “historic step,” is being framed as a tribute to national heroes and a means to reaffirm cultural heritage. “On one hand, this decision will inspire people by honoring great personalities who contributed to the preservation of Indian culture, while on the other, it will also make them aware of the atrocities committed by foreign invaders,” said BJP state media in-charge Manveer Chauhan.
Complete List of Renamed Places
Here’s a look at the renaming across districts:
Haridwar District:
- Aurangzebpur → Shivaji Nagar
- Gajiwali → Arya Nagar
- Chandpur → Jyotiba Phule Nagar
- Mohammadpur Jat → Mohanpur Jat
- Khanpur Kursli → Ambedkar Nagar
- Indrishpur → Nandpur
- Khanpur → Shri Krishna Pur
- Akbarpur Fazalpur → Vijayanagar
Dehradun District:
- Miyanwala → Ramji Wala
- Pirwala → Kesari Nagar
- Chandpur Khurd → Prithviraj Nagar
- Abdullah Nagar → Daksh Nagar
Nainital District:
- Nawabi Road → Atal Marg
- Panchakki to ITI Road → Guru Golwalkar Marg
Udham Singh Nagar District:
- Sultanpur Patti → Kaushalya Puri
Political Reactions and Public Response
The renaming drive has predictably sparked reactions across political lines. While the BJP has lauded the decision as an effort to reclaim cultural identity, opposition parties like the Congress have taken a more cautious stance.
“We are neither supporting nor opposing the move,” said a Congress leader, emphasizing that while name changes do hold symbolic value, real development priorities should not be ignored. Meanwhile, sections of the public have expressed mixed reactions—some welcoming the change, while others question its timing and necessity.
Similar Moves Across India
Uttarakhand isn’t the first state to undertake a large-scale renaming exercise. Similar initiatives have been seen in Uttar Pradesh under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, where places like Allahabad were renamed Prayagraj and Faizabad became Ayodhya. Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh have also followed suit with name changes reflecting historical and cultural narratives.
A key argument from supporters of such moves is that renaming removes remnants of past rulers and colonizers. Critics, however, argue that focusing on names instead of pressing issues like infrastructure, employment, and healthcare is misplaced.
What Comes Next?
The state government is expected to issue formal notifications in the coming weeks. Signboards and official documents will undergo changes, and public institutions will need to update their records accordingly.
The impact of this decision will unfold in time—whether it strengthens cultural pride or stirs political debates further remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the nameplate on Aurangzebpur will soon read Shivaji Nagar.
