On Wednesday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde made a significant announcement on the occasion of Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar's 298th birth anniversary. He declared that the city of Ahmednagar in Western Maharashtra would undergo a renaming process and be known as Ahilyanagar henceforth. The decision pays homage to the revered queen, marking a symbolic gesture by the state government to honor her legacy and contributions.

Dignitaries including Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, and BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar, among other notable attendees, graced the occasion with their presence at the event.

As per an ANI report, there is a growing demand to change the name of Ahmednagar to Ahilya Nagar. This demand arises after Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis successfully renamed Aurangabad and Osmanabad in response to public demand. The people are now voicing their desire for a similar name change for Ahmednagar.

Shinde told the media, “The government has decided to name Ahmednagar district after Punyashlok Ahilya Devi Holkar. Our government is fortunate to have taken this decision. Ahilya Devi’s work was as big and great as the Himalayan Mountains. Giving her name will increase the honour of this district.”

As per the district’s official website, Ahmednagar, located in Western Maharashtra, has a rich history dating back to 240 BC, during the reign of Mauryan Emperor Ashok. The city has witnessed the presence of various influential kingdoms, highlighting its historical significance in the region.

Thackeray government had renamed Aurangabad as Sambhajinagar, but the Shinde government on Saturday added 'Chhatrapati' prefix to it.

According to a government statement, “The fresh proposal approved by the cabinet today will be sent to the Centre, after which the renaming of both the cities will be done at the divisional, district, taluka, Municipal Corporation and council levels.”

Additionally, the cabinet has also given its approval to name the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport after renowned farmer leader D B Patil.

Image source: NDTV