New Delhi: In a significant political development, Delhi BJP legislator Neelam Krishan Pehalwan, who represents the Najafgarh constituency, has formally proposed renaming the area to โNahargarh.โ
Presenting the proposal in the Delhi Assembly on Thursday, Pehalwan cited historical significance as the foundation for the change and urged the government to recognize the regionโs true heritage.
Speaking with The New Indian, Pehalwan emphasized that Najafgarh was originally named after a Mughal commander, Najaf, but the areaโs rightful identity lies with King Nahar, who played a pivotal role in shaping the region.
A Tribute to King Nahar
Pehalwan underscored the suffering of the local population during British rule, stating that Najafgarh was in a dire state and residents endured hardships and oppression.
She highlighted King Naharโs role in the 1858 uprising, describing him as a key figure who established the area as a province.
โRenaming the area after him would be a genuine tribute to his legacy. He was the true leader of this land, and we want to honor him appropriately,โ Pehalwan asserted.
Broad Political Backing for Name Change
Pehalwanโs proposal received widespread support from multiple Delhi MLAs, who echoed her call for restoring Nahargarhโs historical identity.
Ashok Goyal Devraha, MLA from Model Town, stated that the proposal had gained unanimous backing.
Pawan Shad remarked that Pehalwan was merely voicing the long-standing sentiments of Najafgarh residents.
Ajay Mahawar expressed satisfaction over the move, adding that he also advocated for renaming Babarpur.
Abhay Verma supported the renaming, emphasizing that it was a demand from the people themselves.
Kailash Gehlot noted that discussions on this issue had been ongoing for years and agreed that if residents favored the name change, there was no reason to oppose it.
Gajendra Yadav welcomed the initiative and cited a precedent: Six years ago, Islam Colony in Mehrauli was renamed Sri Ram Colony after local residents pushed for the change.
Historical and Cultural Significance
MLA Karnail Singh reaffirmed that renaming Najafgarh to Nahargarh was not just a symbolic move but a step toward restoring the regionโs rightful identity, aligning it with its historic ruler.
MLA Manoj Shokeen went a step further, stating, โNajafgarhโs current name is a remnant of colonial subjugation. It was originally Nahargarh, and it should return to being Nahargarh.โ
Political Implications
Pehalwan, who won her Delhi Assembly seat by defeating AAP candidate Tarun Kumar with a landslide victory of over 29,000 votes, addressed both Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta during the session, urging swift action on the proposal.
Her motion has sparked extensive discussions about the historical and cultural relevance of renaming regions, with proponents arguing that such changes preserve local heritage and restore historical justice.
As the renaming debate gains momentum, the Delhi government is now expected to deliberate on the proposal, setting the stage for a potential historic change in one of the cityโs most prominent regions.
