Uttarakhand renames 17 places with Mughal reference

Amid the ongoing controversy over Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Maharashtra, the BJP-led Uttarakhand government on Monday renamed 17 locations across four districts, removing all Mughal-era references.

At least 10 places which have undergone a name change are located in Haridwar district, four in Dehradun, two in Nainital and one in Udham Singh Nagar.

Aurangzebpur in Haridwar has been renamed Shivaji Nagar, Ghaziwali as Arya Nagar, Khanpur as Shri Krishnapur and Khanpur Kursali as Ambedkar Nagar.

Likewise, Miyawala in Dehradun will now be called Ramjiwala, Chandpur Khurd as Prithviraj Nagar, Nawabi Road in Nainital has a new name Atal Road and Panchukki Marg has been renamed Guru Golwalkar Marg after the second RSS chief.

The BJP officially lauded the state government for changing the names as part of the campaign to eradicate “the last vestiges of slavery”.

“Uttarakhand has announced the renaming of several locations across Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar districts. The new names reflect public sentiment and uphold India’s cultural and historical heritage. This initiative seeks to honour great personalities who have played a significant role in preserving Indian culture, inspiring future generations,” BJP leader Amit Malviya said on X.

Uttarakhand