Delhi Rename Debate: BJP MP Urges Indraprastha Name Change

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Praveen Khandelwal has formally requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to rename India’s national capital from Delhi to Indraprastha. In his letter dated February 25, Khandelwal emphasized that the name Delhi represents a relatively later medieval chapter, whereas Indraprastha reflects the city’s ancient identity as the capital of the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era.  

The proposal comes shortly after the Union Cabinet approved Kerala’s renaming to “Keralam,” reigniting discussions on historical and cultural identity in place names. Khandelwal also suggested installing statues of the five Pandavas in Delhi to reinforce the city’s civilizational heritage.  

Key Highlights  

• BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal urges renaming Delhi to Indraprastha  
• Letter addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on February 25  
• Proposal cites Mahabharata-era roots and ancient civilizational identity  
• Khandelwal argues Delhi is a medieval name lacking deeper historical resonance  
• Request includes installation of Pandavas’ statues in the capital  
• Move follows Kerala’s official renaming to Keralam, sparking wider debate on cultural identity  

Strategic Impact  
The renaming proposal has triggered political and cultural discussions, with supporters viewing it as a restoration of India’s civilizational heritage, while critics caution against politicizing historical narratives. Analysts note that such moves often carry symbolic weight, influencing cultural identity and political messaging ahead of elections. The debate underscores the intersection of history, politics, and identity in shaping India’s urban narratives.  

Sources: The Financial Express, NewsBytes, CNBC TV18, Times of India, ABP Live