The Union Government has approved the renaming of two cities in Maharashtra – Aurangabad and Osmanabad. The decision to rename these cities was confirmed by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde. Aurangabad will now be known as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, while Osmanabad will be called Dharashiv.
This move comes after a year since the proposal to rename these cities was first suggested. The decision has been approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The renaming of these cities has been a topic of discussion and debate for a long time, with many political parties and groups expressing their opinions on the matter.
The Ministry stated that it has no objection to renaming cities. The initial proposal was made in a cabinet meeting during the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in June 2022 before Uddhav Thackeray resigned as the then-chief minister.
After claiming that the decision by the Uddhav government was illegal, On July 16, 2022, a Government Resolution was passed by the two-member cabinet, comprising Eknath Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis, for changing the names, and a proposal was then forwarded to the Centre.
The Bombay High Court sought to know from the Maharashtra government if it had called for objections and suggestions before deciding to rename Aurangabad and Osmanabad cities in the state. A division bench of Acting Chief Justice S V Gangapurwala and Justice Sandeep Marne also directed the Union government to show if any proposal was submitted by the state government to it over the change of names.
The renaming of Aurangabad has been a particularly contentious issue, with some groups claiming that the city’s name is a reminder of the Mughal rule in India. The name Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is a tribute to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who was the founder of the Maratha Empire.
Similarly, the renaming of Osmanabad has been done to honor the legacy of the Marathas. The new name, Dharashiv, is a reference to the ancient fort of Dharashiv, which is located in the district.
The decision to rename these cities has been welcomed by many in the state, especially those who have been demanding the change for a long time. The move has also been praised by many who believe that the renaming will help to strengthen the cultural and historical identity of Maharashtra.
However, there are also some who have criticized the decision, calling it a political move aimed at appeasing certain groups. Some have also raised concerns about the practicalities of the renaming process, such as the cost and effort required to change official documents and signages.
The renaming of Aurangabad and Osmanabad marks a significant moment in the history of Maharashtra. While there may be differing opinions on the decision, it is undeniable that the move reflects the state’s deep connection to its cultural and historical heritage.
