Verma: Delhi govt likely to rename Talkatora Bhagwan Maharishi Valmiki Stadium

New Delhi: The Talkatora Indoor Stadium, a significant location for sporting and cultural events in the city, is likely to get a new name soon, with PWD minister Parvesh Verma planning to put forward a motion regarding its renaming in the upcoming New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) meeting.
During the recent Delhi elections, Verma, who was contesting against AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, had proposed to rename the stadium after Maharishi Valmiki. "It was my election promise and I would fulfil it. A proposal would be moved in the next meet," said Verma.

During polls, Verma had said, "Talkatora Stadium is very famous. Many big events are held here. People from the across the country and world come here, so its name should be changed… many people from the Valmiki community have come forward with a proposal… So, after Feb 8, in the first meeting of the NDMC, this proposal will be brought up and the name will be changed to Bhagwan Maharishi Valmiki Stadium."
Built in 1974, the stadium derives its name from the Mughal-era garden adjoining it. The word ‘Talkatora' originates from two Persian words--‘tal' meaning a tank, and ‘katora,' meaning a bowl-shaped natural depression.
According to NDMC procedures, a name-change request must be submitted to its general administration department. The proposal is then placed before its 13-member council for approval. If passed, it is sent to the Delhi govt's Urban Development Department for final clearance. The whole process is made in accordance with guidelines provided by the ministry of home affairs.
There have been other demands for name changes since the party came to power. Three BJP legislators earlier sought to rename three areas of Delhi—Najafgarh to Nahargarh, Mohammadpur to Madhavpuram, and Mustafabad to Shiv Vihar in the last assembly session.