The BRICS TimesUnion Minister Jitendra Singh recently remarked that “thankfully” the institution’s name remains IIT Bombay, sparking controversy.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced his plan. He will write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Education Minister. The request is to rename IIT Bombay to IIT Mumbai. Mumbai was previously known as Bombay. The state government officially changed the name in 1995. This honored the goddess Mumba Devi. It also aimed to erase the British colonial imprint.
Union Minister’s Comment on the Name
IIT Bombay gained attention after a remark by Union Minister Jitendra Singh. The Minister of State for Science and Technology visited the campus. He commented on the institution’s name. Singh stated, “As far as IIT Bombay is concerned, thankfully, its name remains the same. You have not changed it to Mumbai. That is one more appreciation for you. The same holds true for Madras. It is still IIT Madras.”
MNS Chief Raj Thackeray’s Reaction
MNS chief Raj Thackeray strongly criticized the Union Minister’s statement. He posted on X (formerly Twitter). He claimed Marathi leaders and the public foiled a conspiracy. This plot aimed to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra. Mumbai has always belonged to the Marathi people. Thackeray asserted, “Our Marathi Mumbai remained in Maharashtra only.” He added, “The bitterness they harbored for decades is now surfacing once again.” He urged Mumbaikars and Marathi people in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to “open their eyes.”
Thackeray Warns of an Attempt to ‘Capture’ the City
Raj Thackeray suggested the name ‘Mumbai’ bothers the ruling party. It is named after the city’s deity, Mumba Devi. He noted that Marathi people are her descendants. They have been residing there for generations. Thackeray mentioned the Center tried to take Chandigarh from Punjab’s control. They backed off after resistance from other parties. He warned the retreat is only temporary. He fears a similar attempt is happening in Mumbai. “An effort to capture the city is definitely underway,” he stated. He speculated about seizing Mumbai first. Then the entire MMR could be merged with Gujarat. Thackeray called upon Marathi people to “wake up.”
