Maulana, Jahangirpur, and Ghaznikhedi villages get new names. ‘They are erasing a part of our heritage,’ said Aslam Khan, a resident of Maulana
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has changed the names of three villages – Maulana, Jahangirpur, and Ghaznikhedi. The renaming, announced on Sunday during a rally in Ujjain, has ignited discussions across the state, especially regarding the reasons behind such changes.
Addressing a crowd in Badnagar, Ujjain, the chief minister that Maulana village would now be called Vikram Nagar, a decision that has drawn significant attention. According to him, the name ‘Maulana’ causes issues when writing it down, as the pen reportedly “gets stuck.”
“People of Maulana village have become an example of entrepreneurship,” Yadav explained. “The machines found in the industrial areas of Punjab and Haryana are now available here. But I didn’t understand the connection between the name and the village. The work done in Maulana village is impressive, but every time I tried writing the name, my pen would get stuck. Being from the city of King Vikramaditya, I decided it would be appropriate to rename it Vikram Nagar.”
The renaming of the village has sparked mixed reactions. While some residents agree with the change, citing a fresh identity and modernisation, others are questioning the motives. “It feels like they are erasing a part of our heritage,” said Aslam Khan, a local. “Maulana was a name of dignity, and now it’s being replaced for no apparent reason.”
The renaming spree did not stop with Maulana. The village of Jahangirpur has been renamed Jagdishpur, while Ghaznikhedi will now be called Chamunda Mata Nagari. This is not the first time the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh has changed the names of places. In recent years, Habibganj Railway Station was renamed Kamalapati Railway Station, and Hoshangabad Railway Station became Narmadapur Railway Station.
These actions have sparked a broader debate about the significance of name changes and their potential to alter historical narratives. Critics argue that such decisions are politically motivated and aimed at erasing Muslim identity from the state’s heritage. “Changing the name of Maulana village feels like an attempt to remove any trace of Muslim influence from the region,” said Rizwan Ali, a political commentator. “It is part of a larger trend to rewrite history and reframe the cultural fabric of Madhya Pradesh.”
However, supporters of the renaming argue that it is part of a larger movement to modernise the state and instill a sense of progress. “We need to look beyond the names,” said Rajesh Yadav, a supporter of the government’s actions. “It is about creating new opportunities for development and progress. Names alone do not define the future.”
The renaming decision comes as Madhya Pradesh’s industrial sector is witnessing rapid growth. Several initiatives, including infrastructure development and industrial expansion, are aimed at boosting the state’s economy, and the government is keen on projecting an image of growth and modernity.
In his speech, the chief minister highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit of Maulana village, which has seen an influx of industrial machinery and technological advancements. “This is a place of growth and self-reliance,” he stated. “It deserves a name that reflects its aspirations for the future.”
While some view the renaming as a symbolic step towards modernisation, others are concerned about the implications for the state’s rich historical and cultural diversity. Many fear that the renaming of these villages could marginalise the contributions of Muslim communities in the region, particularly because names like Maulana and Jahangirpur have deep historical roots tied to Muslim figures and traditions.
In response to these concerns, political analysts suggest that the renaming may be part of the BJP’s broader strategy to consolidate its influence in Madhya Pradesh by appealing to a Hindu voter base. “The BJP’s renaming spree reflects its ideological commitment to promoting Hindu cultural symbols and erasing Muslim influences,” said Dr Shafiq Khan, a political science professor at a local university. While the party claims these are efforts to modernise, the underlying motivations are more political.”
Meanwhile, opposition leaders have criticised the renaming as an unnecessary distraction from more pressing issues, such as education, healthcare, and unemployment. “Instead of focusing on changing names, the government should address the real concerns of the people,” said Arif Khan, a member of the Congress. “This is just a way to divert attention from the lack of progress in other areas.”
As Madhya Pradesh continues to grow and evolve, it remains to be seen how these changes will shape the state’s future. Will they be seen as a bold step towards progress, or will they serve as a reminder of the ongoing tensions surrounding the politics of identity in India?
For now, the residents of Maulana, Jahangirpur, and Ghaznikhedi will have to adjust to their new names, as the debate around the renaming continues to unfold.
