New Delhi, Nov 1 (NationPress) BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal reached out to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday, advocating for the renaming of the national capital Delhi to ‘Indraprastha’. He emphasized the connection to its rich ancient civilization, historical significance, and cultural heritage.

In his correspondence, Khandelwal highlighted that Delhi's history spans thousands of years, embodying the essence of Indian civilization. He noted that the city was first known as Indraprastha, established by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era, representing the principles of dharma (righteousness), justice, and governance rooted in ethics.

He also proposed that the Old Delhi Railway Station be renamed ‘Indraprastha Junction’ and Indira Gandhi International Airport as ‘Indraprastha Airport’. Khandelwal further suggested the installation of grand statues of the Pandavas in a prominent area of the capital to honor their legacy in establishing Indraprastha as the nucleus of power and moral governance.

Copies of his letter have been dispatched to Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw, Ram Mohan Naidu, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

Khandelwal underscored that renaming Delhi would restore its ancient identity and act as a form of historical justice and cultural revival.

He referenced other historic Indian cities like Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Varanasi, which have reclaimed their original names. “As other ancient cities reconnect with their traditional identities, Delhi too should reclaim its glorious identity as Indraprastha,” he asserted.

Khandelwal traced the evolution of Delhi from Indraprastha to the contemporary metropolis, noting its continuous habitation since the era of the Mahabharata. The region has remained a central hub for trade and governance throughout various historical periods including the Mauryan, Gupta, Rajput, Sultanate, Mughal, and British eras.

He claimed that renaming Delhi would enhance spiritual and cultural tourism, boost trade, create jobs, and stimulate the local economy while reinforcing India’s global identity as a civilization proud of its rich heritage.

In his communication to Home Minister Shah, Khandelwal expressed: “Delhi is not just a modern capital but a living testament to the great city of ‘Indraprastha’ from the Mahabharata era, where governance based on dharma was first established. It is time to restore our national capital's true name and identity. When every other city is reconnecting with its cultural roots, Delhi deserves to be called by its glorious name, ‘Indraprastha’.”

“Renaming Delhi to ‘Indraprastha’ will restore history and symbolize our civilizational pride. This name embodies India's ancient values of righteousness, governance, and culture. It will enhance national pride, inspire future generations, and create new opportunities for tourism, employment, and economic advancement,” he added.