Ahmednagar to be renamed Ahilyanagar: Maharashtra Minister’s pre-poll declaration

The Union Home Ministry has approved the renaming of Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra to Ahilyanagar, as announced by Maharashtra Revenue Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil. The state cabinet had sought the Centre’s approval for this change in March. The decision to rename Ahmednagar comes just before the state’s upcoming assembly elections. Ahilyabai Holkar, a prominent historical figure from the 18th century, hailed from the district. The state Chief Minister had previously declared the name change in May, honoring Ahilyabai Holkar’s legacy. This renaming follows similar changes made by the government in renaming Aurangabad and Osmanabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Dharashiv, respectively. The move aims to pay tribute to the historical significance of figures like Ahilyabai Holkar in Maharashtra’s history.