Mumbai, Nov 27 (NationPress) Former Uttar Pradesh Governor and seasoned BJP figure Ram Naik has expressed strong disapproval over Union Minister Jitendra Singh's assertion that retaining the name Bombay for the IIT is a positive choice. In a comprehensive two-page letter, he has called on the minister to retract his statement promptly to avert unnecessary disputes concerning the Bombay versus Mumbai debate and to safeguard the city’s prestige.

Naik proposed that Dr. Singh take initiative to revise the applicable legislation and officially rename the institution from IIT Bombay to IIT Mumbai. He explained that his involvement in this discussion is purely for the sake of his workplace, Mumbai, and anticipates an appropriate response from Dr. Singh soon.

"I would certainly suggest that by amending the pertinent law, the name Bombay be substituted with Mumbai. I believe that even those in opposition will view this positively,” he stated. Naik recounted his relentless endeavors over six years, culminating in an ordinance on December 15, 1995, to officially transition the name from Bombay (and Bambai) to Mumbai in all languages.

He highlighted his unique distinction of being the only MP consistently elected five times from Mumbai and emphasized his significant role in upholding Maharashtra's identity. He also recalled issuing a revised order in 1999 to enforce the use of the term Mumbai across all languages. Naik maintained that these name changes—such as Madras to Chennai, Calcutta to Kolkata, Allahabad to Prayagraj, and Faizabad to Ayodhya—are not mere alterations but rather the restoration of original names imbued with local heritage and sentiment. He noted that Mumbai is derived from the ancient deity Mumbadevi.

Naik criticized the deliberate use of incorrect names by some individuals, deeming it fundamentally incorrect. He stressed that reinstating the original name amplifies the identity and emotional ties associated with that area, asserting that there is no linguistic conflict regarding special names.

"Mumbai has always been the historic name of this city, evident in the term Mumbadevi, and it should be referred to as Mumbai in all languages—not Bombay or Bambai," he declared.

In the meantime, Naik cautioned that the opposition should not exploit Dr. Singh's remarks to gain political advantage, asserting that his consistent efforts have made history by facilitating the transition from Bombay to Mumbai.