Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar announced on Saturday that the state government expressed strong disapproval regarding a Union minister’s recent statement. The remark concerned not changing the name of IIT Bombay to IIT Mumbai. Shelar confirmed the state’s position during a legislative council session in Nagpur.
State Government Expresses Displeasure
Shelar, who serves as the Minister of Cultural Affairs, stated the Maharashtra government is not only ‘unhappy’ but has formally communicated its opinion. The state sent a letter to the Centre outlining its stance on the issue. Shelar, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), responded to a query from Shiv Sena (UBT) member Anil Parab.
Union Minister’s Remarks
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, made the contentious remark in late November. During a public function, Singh commented, “As far as IIT Bombay is concerned, thank God it still is this name. You have not changed it to Mumbai. So that’s another compliment to you. And also true for Madras. It remains IIT Madras.”
Political Reaction and Official Stance
Singh’s statement prompted a sharp reaction from various political figures. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray criticized the remark, citing it revealed the central government’s mindset. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had previously committed to writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the education ministry. This correspondence aimed to request the name change of IIT Bombay to IIT Mumbai.
During the legislative council session, Anil Parab argued that the Union minister’s statement ‘hurt Maharashtra’s pride.’ Parab demanded a clear clarification of the state government’s position. In response, Minister Shelar affirmed, “The Maharashtra government’s stand is very clear that it is not ‘Bombay’ but ‘Mumbai.'” He reiterated the government’s discontent with Singh’s comment.
History of the Name Change
The capital of Maharashtra, formerly known as Bombay, was officially renamed Mumbai in 1995. The state government initiated this change. The renaming served two primary purposes: to honor the local goddess Mumbadevi, from whom the city derives its name, and to shed the remaining ties to British colonial rule. This move reflected a broader cultural and political effort to reclaim indigenous identities across India.