UP's Bhadohi to be renamed Sant Ravidas Nagar again: Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced that the district of Bhadohi will once again be renamed Sant Ravidas Nagar, reversing a decision made by the previous administration. The announcement came during his address at the Samajik Samarasta Sankalp Sabha in Seer Goverdhanpur, which is considered the birthplace of Sant Guru Ravidas. The renaming coincides with the 650th birth anniversary of the revered saint and reflects the government’s intent to honor social reformers and saints. The district had previously been renamed Sant Ravidas Nagar by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)-led government under Mayawati in December 1997. However, the name was reverted back to Bhadohi in December 2014 by the Samajwadi Party (SP)-led government under Akhilesh Yadav. The district is well-known for its carpet industry and holds cultural significance due to its association with the religious figure Sant Ravidas. In his speech, Adityanath criticized the earlier government for imposing restrictions on Hindu traditions, though the specifics of these allegations remain unclear. He emphasized that naming public spaces after notable figures is a means of fostering unity among communities, contrasting this approach with those who he claims seek division. “Those whose ideals are Babur and Aurangzeb will never accept this because they divide society. Those who unite people name places after great personalities,” he stated, using a pointed reference to historical figures associated with the Mughal Empire. The chief minister also called upon citizens to support the vision of a developed India, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Sant Ravidas. “Let us contribute to the vision of a Viksit Bharat by translating into reality the message that Sant Ravidas gave 650 years ago,” he urged, highlighting the relevance of historical wisdom in contemporary governance. Political opposition has responded to the decision. Akhilesh Yadav, leader of the Samajwadi Party, expressed criticism, suggesting that the renaming is part of a broader strategy to manipulate public perception. “Those who can even change the names of deities, what can you expect from them? This game of changing names will now end because people are ready to change the government,” he remarked, indicating that the upcoming 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections could see a shift in power. The renaming process is expected to follow administrative procedures, although the exact timeline for implementation has not yet been specified. The decision underscores the ongoing influence of historical and religious narratives in shaping political agendas within the state. As the government moves forward with its plans, the impact of such decisions on local identity and community dynamics will likely become a subject of further discussion and debate.