Authors: Sana Kausar, Shahzeen Khan
BJP MLAs in the Delhi Assembly have proposed renaming three key areas — Najafgarh as ‘Nahargarh,’ Mohammadpur as ‘Madhavpur,’ and Mustafabad as ‘Mahadevpur’—claiming it would restore their original identity.
The proposals were submitted during a session on February 27, 2025, drawing mixed reactions from different sections of society.
Najafgarh to “Nahargarh”?
Neelam Pehalwan, BJP MLA from Najafgarh, has called for renaming the area to “Nahargarh” in honor of Raja Nahar Singh. She argues that the Mughals renamed Najafgarh and that restoring its original name would honor its true heritage.
“Najafgarh was renamed during the Mughal era. It is time to restore its identity and honor our history,” she said. According to Pehalwan, many residents support the change as a way to recognize Raja Nahar Singh’s contributions to the 1857 revolt against British rule.
Mohammadpur to “Madhavpur”?
Similarly, BJP MLA Anil Sharma from RK Puram has demanded that Mohammadpur be renamed “Madhavpur.” He believes the change would reflect the area’s historical roots.
“Many names were altered during foreign rule. Restoring them is crucial to reclaiming our culture and history,” Sharma stated. He insists that local communities support the move and see it as a step toward cultural revival.
Mustafabad to “Mahadevpur”?
In the same vein, BJP legislator Ravi Kumar has pushed for renaming Mustafabad to “Mahadevpur.” Addressing the Assembly, he claimed that most residents feel the existing name was imposed during past invasions.
“People in Mustafabad want a name that reflects their heritage. Mahadevpur aligns with our traditions and history,” he argued.
What This Name Change Will Achieve?
However, not everyone agrees. Many residents, particularly Muslims, see this as another attempt to distract people from the real issues.
Shabnam, who runs AMMA Library for the underprivileged kids under her Mashal Foundation in Mustafabad, voiced her concerns:
“This renaming doesn’t come as a surprise. For Muslim residents, it’s just another step in the long-expected series of Islamophobic actions under BJP rule. For many non-Muslims who voted for them, this is exactly what they wanted—a symbolic victory, a dream fulfilled. The renaming won’t change their daily lives, nor will it improve education, infrastructure, or jobs. It’s simply about maintaining a narrative of religious supremacy, distracting the public from real issues.”
She further added that instead of addressing poverty, healthcare, or public services, the BJP continues to weaponize identity politics, keeping communal divisions at the center of political discourse.
Opposition Pushback Changes
Opposition parties have also resisted the BJP’s name change policies. The AAP and Congress have turned down the proposals, arguing that there are more urgent development issues such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, rather than renaming places.
“Instead of renaming places, the government needs to work on civic facilities, pollution, and water scarcity,” said an AAP spokesperson.
Despite criticism, BJP leaders remain firm. They claim that renaming is about correcting historical distortions and recognizing past struggles.
“History shapes our identity. If we can correct historical wrongs, why not?” said a BJP leader supporting the proposals.
Experts have also joined the debate, with historians contending that while name changes are symbolic, they should not be at the cost of ignoring pressing governance requirements. “India has a diverse and rich past, and while it is important to acknowledge it, renaming places cannot overshadow pressing developmental demands,” a professor of history at Delhi University contended.
Since negotiations are still underway, the proposals to rename Najafgarh, Mohammadpur, and Mustafabad are sure to be under consideration by the authorities. Whether or not they will be adopted remains to be seen, but they have certainly reopened the discussion about how India reconciles its past.
