Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 1: Delhi BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal on Saturday appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to rename the national capital as ‘Indraprastha’, saying the move would honour its ancient roots and civilisational heritage.
In his letter to Shah — also marked to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and several ministers — Khandelwal said Old Delhi Railway Station should be renamed ‘Indraprastha Junction’ and the international airport as ‘Indraprastha Airport’.
“Delhi’s history dates back thousands of years and embodies the soul of Indian civilisation and the vibrant traditions of ‘Indraprastha’, the city founded by the Pandavas,” Khandelwal wrote, urging that grand statues of the Pandavas be installed in the capital.
He said such statues would serve as a reminder of India’s rich history, symbolising “the ethics, righteousness, and courage of the Pandavas”, and would inspire the younger generation to connect with the nation’s glorious past.
According to Khandelwal, Delhi is “not merely a modern metropolis but the very soul of Indian civilisation.” He added that while other ancient cities like Ayodhya, Varanasi, Ujjain, and Prayagraj are reclaiming their original identities, Delhi too should “be respected in its original form”.
“This change is not only historical justice but also an important step towards cultural renaissance,” the BJP MP said, adding that it would represent both “historical and cultural respect.”
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on reviving India’s ancient heritage, Khandelwal said, “If the country can restore its ancient cities like Ayodhya, Kashi, and Prayagraj, why not Delhi?”
He added that renaming the national capital to ‘Indraprastha’ would send a message to future generations that India’s capital is “not only a centre of power but also a symbol of religion, ethics, and nationalism.”
A similar appeal was made last month by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), which urged the Delhi government to rename the city and key transport hubs after Indraprastha to reflect the capital’s “true cultural identity” rooted in the Mahabharata era.