A political debate has erupted in Telangana over a proposal by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to rename Nizamabad district as “Indur” if the party comes to power in the state. The issue has drawn strong reactions from regional political parties and community groups.
What BJP Leaders Are Saying
The BJP’s Nizamabad Member of Parliament, Dharmapuri Arvind, has stated that the district’s original name was Indur before it was changed to Nizamabad. He said the name change would be proposed through a resolution in the Nizamabad Municipal Corporation, which would then be forwarded to the Telangana Chief Minister if the BJP secures a majority in the upcoming municipal elections.
Telangana BJP State President Ramchander Rao backed the plan, saying the party supports restoring historical names in the region. He suggested that several places in the state that retain names from the Nizam era should be reconsidered for renaming, arguing that those names reflect a period of alleged oppression and do not represent the current identity of Telangana.
Political Reactions
The proposal has attracted criticism from opposition parties:
- Congress leaders have described the move as unnecessary and potentially divisive. They argue that focusing on renaming distracts from addressing core issues like development and could affect public order.
- The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) also criticised the BJP for engaging in what it called “Communal Politics” suggesting that renaming initiatives serve political agendas rather than public interest.
Community Concerns
The Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT), a regional political group, condemned remarks made by the BJP MP. The MBT described the language used in support of the renaming as derogatory toward the Nizam’s legacy and accused the BJP of attempting to polarise society ahead of local elections. The group has even called for legal action, claiming that such statements could disturb communal harmony and hurt cultural sentiments.
Context and Background
- Supporters of the proposal argue that the historical name Indur reflects the region’s ancient identity and that changing back to it would honour cultural heritage.
- Critics counter that renaming places is a symbolic exercise that may not address people’s everyday concerns and could spark unnecessary controversy.
In Summary
The BJP’s proposal to rename Nizamabad district as Indur has triggered a sharp political debate in Telangana. While BJP leaders frame it as a restoration of historical identity, opposition parties and community groups see the move as divisive and politically motivated. The issue continues to draw attention as discussions unfold ahead of local elections.
