Controversy Over IIT Bombay Name: CM Fadnavis to Request Change to IIT Mumbai
On November 26, 2025, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced his intention to write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to change the name of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay to IIT Mumbai. This announcement follows a controversial remark made by Union Minister for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, during a speech at IIT Bombay.
Background of the Controversy
During his address at IIT Bombay, Union Minister Jitendra Singh made a light-hearted comment regarding the name of the institute. He stated, “As far as IIT Bombay is concerned, thank god it still has this name. You have not changed it to Mumbai. So that’s another compliment to you. And also true for Madras. It remains IIT Madras.” This comment sparked immediate backlash, particularly from opposition parties.
Political Reactions
Following Singh’s remarks, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, criticized the BJP for what they perceived as an insult to Marathi culture and the identity of Mumbai. Thackeray accused BJP leaders of consistently undermining the significance of the Marathi language and the city’s heritage.
Chief Minister Fadnavis’s Response
In response to the controversy, Chief Minister Fadnavis defended the need for a name change. He stated that BJP leader Rambhau Naik played a crucial role in renaming Bombay to Mumbai in the past. Fadnavis emphasized, “We are working to remove the remaining references to Bombay in Mumbai. I personally will write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Human Resource Ministry to replace the name of IIT Bombay with IIT Mumbai.” He further criticized those who raised the issue merely for the sake of controversy, pointing out that many individuals do not complain about the names of their children’s schools, which often retain the name Bombay.
Opposition’s Stance
Raj Thackeray responded to Fadnavis’s comments by alleging that the BJP-led Union government has ulterior motives regarding Mumbai. He claimed that the government aims to bring Mumbai under central control, similar to their plans for Chandigarh. Thackeray expressed concern that the expansion of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region is a strategy to facilitate the transfer of projects from Maharashtra to Gujarat.
Historical Context of the Name Change
The name Bombay was officially changed to Mumbai in 1995 by the state government. This change was made to honor the local goddess Mumbadevi, after whom the city is named, and to shed the remnants of British colonial rule. The renaming was part of a broader movement to assert local identity and pride in Maharashtra.
Significance of IIT Bombay
IIT Bombay, established in 1958, is one of the premier engineering institutes in India. It has consistently been ranked among the top engineering colleges in the country and is known for its rigorous academic programs and research contributions. The institute has played a significant role in the development of science and technology in India and has been a vital partner of the Department of Science and Technology.
Public Sentiment
The public reaction to the controversy has been mixed. While some support the idea of changing the name to reflect the city’s current identity, others believe that the name IIT Bombay carries historical significance and should be preserved. Social media platforms have been abuzz with discussions, with various opinions being expressed on both sides of the debate.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the name of IIT Bombay highlights the ongoing discourse about regional identity and cultural pride in Maharashtra. As Chief Minister Fadnavis prepares to address the Prime Minister regarding this issue, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the calls for change and what implications this will have for the future of the institute and the city.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on reports and statements available as of November 2025. The situation may evolve as further developments occur.
