Patna, February 4: Upendra Kushwaha, the president of the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM), has called for the renaming of Bihar‘s capital, Patna, to its ancient name, Pataliputra. He made this demand during a discussion on the President’s address in the Rajya Sabha, highlighting the rich historical heritage of Patna during the Mauryan Empire.
Kushwaha urged the central government to restore the city’s ancient name, stating that Pataliputra was the glorious capital of the Mauryan Empire and symbolizes India’s illustrious past. “The name Pataliputra fills us with pride. Therefore, we request the government to rename Patna to Pataliputra,” he said.
Referring to President Droupadi Murmu’s address, Kushwaha emphasized that remembering historical achievements inspires future generations and strengthens India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation. He noted that recalling the great accomplishments and contributions of ancestors motivates the new generation and accelerates the journey towards a developed India.
While speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Kushwaha shed light on the vast expansion of the Mauryan Empire, mentioning that during that era, India’s borders extended to present-day Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, and Nepal. He stated that remnants of that glorious era still exist as historical symbols, and it is our duty to revive that history by removing the dust that has settled on it.
Kushwaha further remarked that Bihar reached its pinnacle of glory during the Mauryan rule, and its historical symbols are recognized globally. He cited examples of cities and states that have undergone name changes to reflect cultural identity, such as Calcutta to Kolkata, Orissa to Odisha, and Bombay to Mumbai. He questioned, “If these places can have their names changed, why can’t Patna be renamed to Pataliputra?”