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 historical name, Pataliputra. He made this demand during a discussion on the motion of thanks for President Droupadi Murmu’s address in the Rajya Sabha.
Kushwaha emphasized the rich historical heritage of Patna during the Maurya Empire. He urged the central government to restore the city’s ancient name, stating that Pataliputra was the glorious capital of the Maurya Empire and a symbol of India’s proud past.
He remarked that the name Pataliputra fills us with pride, and therefore, he urged the government to rename Patna to Pataliputra. Referring to President Murmu’s address, Kushwaha noted that recalling historical achievements inspires future generations and strengthens India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.
The President mentioned that remembering the great achievements and contributions of ancestors motivates the new generation and accelerates our journey towards a developed India. These words remind us of the era when India was known as the “Golden Bird.”
While speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Kushwaha highlighted the vast expansion of the Maurya Empire, stating that during that time, India’s borders extended to present-day Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, and Nepal. He pointed out that remnants of that glorious era still exist as historical symbols, and it is our duty to revive that history by dusting off the past.
He further stated that Bihar reached its pinnacle of glory during the Maurya reign, and its historical symbols are recognized globally. Kushwaha cited examples of cities and states that have changed names to reflect cultural identity, such as Calcutta to Kolkata, Orissa to Odisha, and Bombay to Mumbai. He questioned why Patna could not be renamed Pataliputra if these places could undergo such changes.
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