Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has reignited the debate over renaming cities by proposing that Aligarh be renamed “Harigarh,” citing historical and cultural reasons. The suggestion was made during the Hindu Gaurav Diwas event held on August 21, 2025, to commemorate the death anniversary of former Chief Minister Kalyan Singh, a native of Aligarh and a key figure in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
Maurya’s remarks drew parallels with previous renaming decisions such as Faizabad to Ayodhya, Allahabad to Prayagraj, and Jalalabad to Parshurampuri. The proposal has sparked political reactions across party lines and revived discussions on identity, heritage, and the politics of nomenclature.
🧭 What Keshav Maurya Said at Hindu Gaurav Diwas
Addressing a packed gathering in Aligarh, Maurya said:
“You all know Ayodhya was once called Faizabad. But under the leadership of our respected Chief Minister (Yogi Adityanath), it was renamed Ayodhya again. Similarly, Prayagraj was earlier known as Allahabad. Just two days ago, Shahjahanpur’s Jalalabad was renamed Parshurampuri. Then there should be no delay in renaming Aligarh to Harigarh.”
Maurya also called for posthumous recognition of Kalyan Singh with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, citing his contributions to Hindutva politics and BJP’s rise in Uttar Pradesh.
| Speaker | Statement Summary |
|---|---|
| Keshav Prasad Maurya | Proposed renaming Aligarh to Harigarh |
| Yogi Adityanath | Present at the event, did not comment on the proposal |
| Dharmendra Pradhan | Paid tribute to Kalyan Singh |
| Jitin Prasada | Participated in the ceremony |
The event was attended by top BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Cabinet Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and Union Minister Jitin Prasada.
📊 Historical Context of Aligarh and Renaming Trends
Aligarh, formerly known as Kol, has a rich historical and cultural legacy. It is home to the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), a globally recognized institution, and has played a pivotal role in India’s educational and reformist movements.
| City Name | Original Name | Renamed As | Year of Renaming | Reason Cited |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faizabad | Ayodhya | Ayodhya | 2018 | Religious significance |
| Allahabad | Prayagraj | Prayagraj | 2018 | Historical roots |
| Jalalabad | Parshurampuri | Parshurampuri | 2025 | Mythological reference |
| Aligarh | Kol | Proposed: Harigarh | — | Cultural and religious symbolism |
Maurya’s proposal to rename Aligarh aligns with a broader trend of renaming cities to reflect Hindu heritage and mythology, often sparking debates over secularism and pluralism.
🔍 Political Reactions and Public Sentiment
The renaming proposal has drawn mixed reactions. BJP supporters hailed it as a tribute to Kalyan Singh’s legacy, while opposition parties criticized it as a diversion from pressing governance issues.
| Political Party | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| BJP | Supportive, sees it as cultural reclamation |
| Samajwadi Party (SP) | Accused BJP of divisive politics |
| Congress | Called it a distraction from unemployment, inflation |
| Civil Society Groups | Mixed views, some support heritage preservation |
Maurya also targeted the SP’s PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) strategy, calling it “divide and rule,” and vowed to “uproot the SP’s cycle and send it to Saifai,” referring to the party’s symbol and stronghold.
🧠 Kalyan Singh’s Legacy and Bharat Ratna Demand
Kalyan Singh, a two-time Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, is remembered for his role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and for steering the BJP’s early growth in the state. Maurya’s demand for Bharat Ratna recognition was echoed by several BJP leaders during the event.
| Leader Honoured | Contributions | Recognition Demanded |
|---|---|---|
| Kalyan Singh | Ram Janmabhoomi, BJP growth in UP | Bharat Ratna |
| Babuji (nickname) | Revered figure in Hindutva politics | Cultural icon |
Maurya emphasized that renaming Aligarh would be a fitting tribute to Singh’s legacy and ideological vision.
📉 Impact on Local Identity and Educational Institutions
Aligarh is not just a city—it’s a symbol of educational excellence and cultural diversity. The proposed renaming has raised concerns among students, faculty, and alumni of AMU, who fear that such moves could politicize academic spaces and marginalize minority voices.
| Institution | Concern Raised |
|---|---|
| Aligarh Muslim University | Fear of communal polarization |
| Local Traders | Uncertainty over branding and documentation |
| Residents | Mixed reactions, some support cultural revival |
While some residents support the renaming for its symbolic value, others worry about the administrative and social implications.
🧠 Expert Commentary: Identity, Politics, and Place Names
Historians and sociologists have weighed in on the renaming debate, cautioning against erasing pluralistic histories in favour of monolithic narratives.
Dr. Ranjana Baruah, a cultural historian, said:
“Place names carry layered histories. Renaming must be done with sensitivity, not as a tool of political assertion.”
Political analyst Rakesh Dutta added:
“The push to rename cities reflects a deeper ideological shift. It’s not just about names—it’s about who gets to define heritage.”
These perspectives highlight the need for inclusive dialogue before making decisions that affect collective memory and identity.
📌 Conclusion
Keshav Prasad Maurya’s proposal to rename Aligarh to Harigarh has reignited debates over cultural identity, political symbolism, and historical continuity. While the demand was made in the context of honouring Kalyan Singh’s legacy, it has broader implications for how India navigates its diverse past and pluralistic present.
As the proposal gains traction, the spotlight will remain on whether the Uttar Pradesh government takes formal steps toward renaming—and how citizens, institutions, and political stakeholders respond to this evolving narrative.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and political statements as of August 21, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or political advice.
