Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s decree draws sharp criticism from local communities and opposition leaders
KUSHINAGAR — In a move that has reignited debates over cultural erasure and political symbolism, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced that Fazilnagar in Kushinagar district will henceforth be known as “Pava Nagari.” The decision, made public by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during a ceremony in Ghaziabad, marks the latest in a series of renaming initiatives aimed at replacing toponyms of Perso-Arabic origin.
“The town has always been called Fazilnagar, and it carries centuries of history linked to our community,” said local resident Shabnam Ansari. “Changing the name does not change the reality of our lives. We continue to live here, work here, and pay our taxes, yet our culture is being erased in the name of politics.”
The Yogi Adityanath administration has repeatedly justified such measures as restoring historical identities. Proponents argue that the original settlement, known in antiquity as Pāvā, is linked to the parinirvāṇa of Lord Mahāvīra, the 24th Tīrthaṅkara of Jainism. Hindutva organisations and BJP leaders claim that reinstating the name “Pava Nagari” corrects a perceived historical injustice inflicted during Mughal rule, when the town was allegedly renamed Fazilnagar.
“The renaming of Pava Nagari will finally bring recognition to our sacred sites and encourage development,” stated BJP functionary Rajesh Tripathi. “It is a rightful reclamation of the town’s heritage.”
However, critics warn that such political posturing obscures real priorities. Members of the Muslim community, along with opposition parties, have strongly condemned the renaming, describing it as an attempt to marginalise their presence and legacy.
“The alteration of a name is no yardstick of progress,” said activist and local resident Farida Begum. “If renaming were truly synonymous with development, every Urdu-derived place name across India should be changed. Yet what we need is schools, hospitals, roads—not empty gestures aimed at appeasing right-wing groups.”
Political analysts note that the timing of the announcement is particularly significant. With panchayat elections approaching, critics suggest that such measures are aimed at consolidating the ruling party’s Hindu voter base, rather than addressing substantive development issues.
“The administration’s focus on names rather than livelihoods speaks volumes about its priorities,” said political commentator Imran Khan. “Communities with long-standing contributions to the region are being sidelined, while symbolic gestures take precedence over education, health, and infrastructure.”
Local residents voice concern that the new name could undermine their sense of identity and continuity. “Fazilnagar is not just a name; it is a part of who we are,” remarked Noor Ahmad, a small-business owner. “For generations, this town has had an Urdu identity. Now, suddenly, it is being overwritten for political convenience.”
As the debate rages on, it remains unclear whether the renaming will bring any of the promised development or merely deepen communal tensions. What is certain, however, is that the dispute over Fazilnagar—soon to be Pava Nagari—highlights the ongoing struggle of India’s Muslim communities to preserve their cultural heritage in the face of aggressive political campaigns.
“The government should focus on real problems, not rewriting history,” Farida Begum emphasised. “Development is built with schools, hospitals, and opportunities—not with changing a name to suit political agendas.”
