Fadnavis to Request PM Modi: Rename IIT Bombay as IIT Mumbai Amid Identity Debate

Mumbai:

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Wednesday that he will personally request Prime Minister Modi to rename IIT Bombay as IIT Mumbai, amid the growing debate over the Bombay versus Mumbai nomenclature.

"The BJP made significant contributions to changing Bombay's name to Mumbai, particularly through BJP leader Rambhau Naik's efforts. For us, it is Mumbai, not Bombay. All traces of the name Bombay should be eliminated. I will write directly to the Prime Minister and Human Resource Minister requesting the change of IIT Bombay to IIT Mumbai," Fadnavis stated.

His comments came as a response to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's criticism of Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who had expressed gratitude that "IIT Bombay's name was not changed to IIT Mumbai."

Fadnavis suggested that the resistance to renaming reflects a particular mindset within the government. He also took a swipe at Raj Thackeray, remarking that "Some individuals are uncomfortable requesting name changes for institutions where their children study."

Previously, Raj Thackeray had strongly condemned Union Minister Singh's statement. In a post on X, Thackeray wrote, "This mindset reveals the lingering resentment over the failed attempt to separate Mumbai—historically belonging to Marathi people—from Maharashtra, an effort that was thwarted by Marathi leaders and citizens."

Thackeray alleged that the government seems uncomfortable with the name "Mumbai" and prefers "Bombay" instead. "In reality, Jitendra Singh has no connection to Mumbai, Maharashtra, or Gujarat. Coming from Jammu, he appears to be trying to gain favor with top leadership by speaking according to their preferences," he noted.

The MNS chief claimed there are ongoing efforts to gradually connect Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to Gujarat. He urged Marathi people to recognize these developments.

"I appeal not only to Mumbai residents but to all Marathi people in the MMR region to become aware. The name 'Mumbai' irritates them because it honors Mumbadevi, the city's original goddess. All her children are the Marathi people who have lived here for generations," Thackeray stated.

He drew parallels to the situation in Chandigarh, suggesting that the central government attempted to take control from Punjab but temporarily retreated due to unified opposition. "Something similar is definitely developing regarding Mumbai. They don't want Mumbai—they want Bombay," he asserted.

Thackeray warned that an effort to quietly take control of the city is underway. "First Mumbai, then the entire MMR region will be taken and connected to Gujarat! Marathi people need to wake up. We already witness central agents and industrialists taking over everything here daily. It's time for Marathi people to recognize this reality," he concluded.