Controversy erupts over demand to rename Pune station

The demand first came from BJP’s Rajya Sabha member Medha Kulkarni, who demanded that the station should be named after Peshwa Bajirao I. However, it has been opposed by the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) whose leader and former Pune Mayor Ankush Kakade demanded that the railway station should be named after legendary social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule or Dr Gopal Krishna Gokhale.

Pune: A new political issue has erupted in Maharashtra’s cultural capital of Pune. This time over the demand to rename the Pune junction railway station which comes under the jurisdiction of Mumbai-headquartered Central Railway.

The demand first came from BJP’s Rajya Sabha member Medha Kulkarni, who demanded that the station should be named after Peshwa Bajirao I, who is considered to be the most important figure after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in making the Maratha Empire a dominant force in 18th century India.

However, it has been opposed by the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) whose leader and former Pune Mayor Ankush Kakade demanded that the railway station should be named after legendary social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule or Dr Gopal Krishna Gokhale, the political leader and social reformer, who is considered the political mentor of Mahatma Gandhi.

Kulkarni raised the demand, during a meeting convened by the Pune Railway Division to discuss issues concerning the Pune and Solapur regions.

“The Pune station should be named after Shrimant Thorle Bajirao Peshwa, a warrior who never lost a battle. Such a great figure deserves this honour,” she said.

Several organisations supported the renaming, citing the city's deep-rooted historical connection with the Maratha empire.

Peshwa Bajirao I served as the Prime Minister under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj from 1720 to 1740. He is widely regarded as one of the most successful military leaders in Indian history, having expanded the Maratha empire significantly during his tenure and never lost a war or campaign. The iconic Shaniwar Wada, a symbol of Peshwa rule, stands in the heart of Pune city.

“Pune is known as a cultural and educational hub, and more recently as an IT destination. But it is important that people from across the country also learn about its rich past," she said.

However, Kakade opposed the demand of Kulkarni. “We are not in favour of changing the name of Pune Railway Station, which has a long history. If the central government insists on renaming, they should also consider names like Mahatma Jyotiba Phule or Gopal Krishna Gokhale, along with Bajirao Peshwa,” Kakade said.

The social reformer-couple Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule had worked extensively towards female education and empowerment, and towards ending caste-based discrimination and gender-based discrimination, ending child marriage and founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (Truth-Seekers' Society).

The Sambhaji Brigade too opposed the demand. “We will appeal to all political parties and social organisations to oppose the demand. If the government wants to change the name of the railway station, it should be named after Jyotiba Phule or Savitribai Phule,” said Santosh Shinde of Sambhaji Brigade.