Ahead of Kumbh Mela in the city next year, the Yogi Adityanath led Uttar Pradesh government may rechristen Allahabad as Prayagraj. Deputy Chief Minister, Keshav Prasad Maurya, has confirmed to ANI that the state has decided to change the city’s name. “The place (Allahabad) has always been recognized by its place Prayag since ages”, Maurya said.
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Last year, seers from several akharas had met UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and urged him to restore the ancient name of the city. They had claimed that they were confident that the Mahant of Gorakhnath Muth will accept their demand. Some media reports also claim that the banners for the upcoming Kumbh Mela mention the city’s name as “Prayagraj”.
Renaming of Allahabad to Prayagraj will be consistent with Yogi Adityanath’s image as a mascot of Hindutva. He has been known to make comments which affirm his pride in his Hindu identity without insulting the faith of people from other communities. Earlier this year, Barsana was painted saffron as Yogi Adityanath celebrated Lathmar Holi there. In another incident, Yogi Adityanath delivered on his poll promise as Hindu families returned to Kairana after he assumed the seat of Chief Minister. On another occasion, Yogi Adityanath reaffirmed his faith in the equal treatment of religions and asserted that he has no right to stop Janmashtami processions if he cannot stop Namaz on roads. Furthermore, Mughalsarai railway station was renamed to Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Nagar station.
It appears that with a saffron-clad Monk at the helm of affairs, Allahabad will finally be rechristened with the name it has been associated for centuries.