NMC Plans To Name Manish Nagar Roads After Sena Icons

Nagpur: Ahead of the state assembly elections, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has proposed renaming four roads and a significant square in Manish Nagar, a move widely seen as an attempt to leverage regional pride and political loyalties. The proposal, coming at a critical political juncture, is aimed at associating key city infrastructure with influential Shiv Sena figures and cultural symbols.
The NMC received formal applications for renaming these locations from Pravin Sharma, an active member of the Shiv Sena's Shinde faction. The proposals, submitted under Section 2 (1), Chapter 11, Schedule "G" of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, 2011, suggest paying homage to late icons belonging to Shiv Sena.
One of the key proposals is to rename the road from Manish Nagar Railway Crossing to Rudra Bar as "Hindu Hriday Samrat Shri Balasaheb Thackeray Marg," an ode to the founder of Shiv Sena and his powerful Hindutva ideology. Another road, stretching from Manish Nagar Railway Crossing to Sarvatranagar Borkute Layout, would be called "Dharmaveer Shri Anand Dighe Saheb Marg," honouring the late Shiv Sena leader from Thane.
In a move reflective of local pride, the NMC also plans to rename the route from Manish Nagar Railway Crossing to New Vaishali Nagar Basti as "Shri Balmukund Rameshwarji Sharma (Piplwa) Marg," in honour of a local leader. The Manish Nagar Railway Crossing square is proposed to be renamed "Maa Tuljabhavani Square," invoking a deity widely revered across Maharashtra.
However, the proposal has stirred political controversy, especially in the south-west assembly constituency, a traditional BJP stronghold. A former corporator from the area criticised the move, claiming that only the zonal committee and respective corporators have the authority to propose such name changes. "The administrator does not have the right to put forward such a proposal, and a letter has been issued to cancel the process," he stated, adding that some residents had raised objections to the suggested names.
With the election season approaching, the renaming initiative is being interpreted as a strategic effort by the Shinde faction to rally voter support by invoking Shiv Sena's legacy and Hindutva symbols. The NMC has invited public objections within 15 days, failing which the process will proceed.
As political parties gear up for the elections ahead, the renaming controversy reflects the broader competition to influence voter sentiment through symbolic civic decisions.
Renaming Suggestions
* Manish Nagar Railway Crossing to Rudra Bar - "Hindu Hriday Samrat Shri Balasaheb Thackeray Marg"
* Manish Nagar Railway Crossing to Sarvatranagar Borkute Layout - "Dharmaveer Shri Anand Dighe Saheb Marg"
* Manish Nagar Railway Crossing to New Vaishalinagar Basti - "Shri Balmukund Rameshwarji Sharma (Pipla) Marg"
* Manish Nagar Railway Crossing square - "Maa Tulja Bhavani Square"