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Singh said she had written to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and urged both the state and central governments to act on her request
BJP MLA from Bansdih, Ketakee Singh. (Image via X/@KetakeesinghMLA)
BJP MLA from Bansdih, Ketakee Singh, on Monday demanded that the Ghazipur district in Uttar Pradesh be renamed after Maharishi Gautam, citing the need to shed names that “glorify invaders” and to restore pride in India’s cultural heritage.
Speaking to reporters at her residence in Bansdih, Singh said she had written to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and urged both the state and central governments to act on her request.
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“All such names that remind us of our times of disgrace, which have been kept to glorify the invaders and praise them, all such names should be removed and the birthplace of great men, should be named after them. I want that Ghazipur district’s name should be changed,” Singh said.
The 41-year-old legislator further said that renaming the district would inspire future generations. Drawing parallels with the renaming of Allahabad to Prayagraj, she argued that recognising Indian heritage through place names was an important cultural correction.
“Changing the name will inspire the coming generation. How can a country that forgets its history, build its future? If you forget your origin, you will never be able to build a future,” Singh said.
She also criticised the portrayal of historical figures, saying, “We have read that Akbar was great. Such was his greatness that it has been written on the dead bodies of lakhs of Hindus.”
Maharishi Gautam is a revered sage in Hindu tradition, known as the father of Maharishi Parashuram, an important figure in Indian mythology and considered the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Gautam is also credited with authoring the ancient text Gautama Dharmasutra, and is associated with deep spiritual practice and Vedic knowledge. He is believed to have lived and meditated in the region that now falls within modern-day Ghazipur.
Ghazipur district, located along the banks of the holy river Ganges, holds significant historical value dating back to the Sultanate and Mughal periods. The name “Ghazipur” is widely believed to have originated from Saiyyad Masood Ghazi, who is remembered for fostering Hindu-Muslim unity and establishing the city in 1330 A.D. Some historical accounts attribute its founding to Ustad Ghazi Mashook.
The region was an important halt for Mughal emperors and their armies, given its strategic location. Townships such as Zamania and Kasimabad also bear names linked to prominent figures of the era, including Saiyyad Ali Kuli Khan and Sheikh Abdullah.
(With inputs from PTI)
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