Maharashtra Government Unhappy with Union Minister’s Remark on IIT Bombay Name
Nagpur, December 13, 2025 (PTI) – The Maharashtra government has expressed its dissatisfaction regarding a remark made by Union Minister Jitendra Singh concerning the name of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. Ashish Shelar, the state’s Minister of Cultural Affairs, conveyed this sentiment during a session of the legislative council on Saturday.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy began when Jitendra Singh, who serves as the Minister of State for Science and Technology, made a statement during a function in late November. He remarked, “As far as IIT Bombay is concerned, thank God it still is 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 has drawn significant criticism from various political factions within Maharashtra, particularly from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Raj Thackeray, the MNS chief, reacted strongly, suggesting that Singh’s statement reflects a dismissive attitude towards the state’s identity and pride.
Government’s Response
In response to a query raised by Shiv Sena (UBT) member Anil Parab regarding the government’s position on Singh’s remarks, Shelar stated that the Maharashtra government is “not happy” with the Union minister’s comments. He emphasized that the official stance of the state government is that the city should be referred to as Mumbai, not Bombay.
Shelar elaborated, “The Maharashtra government’s stand is very clear that it is not ‘Bombay’ but ‘Mumbai’. The government’s stand is that it is not happy with that particular statement.” He also mentioned that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has taken action by sending a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the education ministry, advocating for the name change of IIT Bombay to IIT Mumbai.
Historical Context of the Name Change
The name change from Bombay to Mumbai was officially enacted in 1995 by the Maharashtra state government. This decision was made to honor the local goddess Mumbadevi, after whom the city is named, and to move away from the remnants of British colonial rule that the name Bombay represented.
Over the years, the name Mumbai has become a symbol of the city’s cultural identity and heritage. The insistence on using the name Mumbai instead of Bombay is seen as a matter of pride for many residents and political leaders in the state.
Political Reactions
The remarks made by Jitendra Singh have not only sparked outrage among the ruling party in Maharashtra but have also drawn attention from various political leaders across the spectrum.
- Raj Thackeray (MNS Chief): Thackeray criticized Singh’s comments, stating that they reveal a mindset that undermines Maharashtra’s identity.
- Devendra Fadnavis (Chief Minister): Fadnavis has taken a proactive approach by writing to the central government, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the name Mumbai.
- Anil Parab (Shiv Sena UBT Member): Parab highlighted that Singh’s statement has hurt the pride of Maharashtra and demanded clarity from the government regarding its stance.
Significance of the IIT Bombay Name
IIT Bombay is one of India’s premier engineering institutions, and its name carries significant weight in both national and international contexts. The institute has been a leader in research and education, contributing to the development of technology and engineering in the country.
The name IIT Bombay is recognized globally, and any changes to it could have implications for the institution’s branding and recognition. Therefore, the debate over its name is not merely a matter of semantics but one that touches on issues of identity, pride, and heritage for the people of Maharashtra.
Looking Ahead
As the Maharashtra government continues to express its dissatisfaction with the Union minister’s remarks, it remains to be seen how the central government will respond to the letter sent by Chief Minister Fadnavis. The issue of the name change for IIT Bombay may become a focal point in the ongoing discussions about regional identity and pride in India.
Furthermore, the reactions from various political leaders indicate that this issue is likely to remain in the public discourse for the foreseeable future, as it resonates with broader themes of regionalism and cultural identity in India.
Conclusion
The ongoing debate regarding the name of IIT Bombay highlights the complexities of regional identity in India. As the Maharashtra government firmly stands by its position, the dialogue surrounding this issue reflects deeper sentiments about cultural pride and historical context. The outcome of this situation could have lasting implications for both the institution and the state’s identity.
Note: The content of this article is based on reports and statements made by various political figures and is intended to provide an overview of the ongoing situation regarding the name of IIT Bombay.
