Maharashtra clears proposal to rename Islampur as Ishwarpur

The Maharashtra government on Friday (July 18, 2025) declared that the town of Islampur in Sangli district will be renamed to Ishwarpur, marking another step in its ongoing push to rechristen locations across the State.

The announcement was made in the Legislative Assembly on the concluding day of the monsoon session by Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, who confirmed that the proposal had received Cabinet approval and would now be forwarded to the Union government for final clearance.

“The power to change names lies with the Centre. The State Cabinet has done its part by approving the decision and sent the proposal to the Union government for approval,” Mr. Bhujbal told the House. The resolution was approved during a Cabinet meeting held on Thursday.

The demand to rename Islampur dates back to 1986 and was most recently revived by Shiv Pratisthan, a Hindutva organisation headed by a person named, Sambhaji Bhide. The group submitted a memorandum to the Sangli Collectorate, pressing for the change of name, warning that their campaign will not die down or be withdrawn until their demand was accepted.