Concerns Arise Over Bhadohi's Name Change to Sant Ravidas Nagar
Bhadohi's Name Change Announcement Sparks Mixed Reactions
Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, July 30 - The announcement by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to rename Bhadohi district to Sant Ravidas Nagar has been met with enthusiasm from BJP leaders, while those involved in the carpet industry express concerns that this change could negatively impact the global recognition of the Bhadohi brand. During a ceremony in Varanasi commemorating the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas, Adityanath launched the BJP's 'Samrasata Sankalp Abhiyan' and declared the restoration of the district's former name.
He stated, “The Uttar Pradesh government is committed to reinstating the district's previous name, reflecting our dedication to honoring saints and social reformers.” However, local residents argue that electoral politics has turned Bhadohi's name into a subject of manipulation. The district was designated as the 66th district of Uttar Pradesh on June 30, 1994, by the government of Mulayam Singh Yadav, and later renamed Sant Ravidas Nagar by Mayawati's administration in 1997.
In response to the name change, the government led by Ram Prakash Gupta added 'Bhadohi' back to the name in 2000, resulting in 'Sant Ravidas Nagar Bhadohi.' Subsequently, in 2012, Akhilesh Yadav's government reverted it to Bhadohi. BJP MLA and prominent Dalit leader from the eastern region, Dina Nath Bhaskar, welcomed Adityanath's decision.
He remarked that many districts are named after great personalities, and honoring the saint who fought against untouchability by renaming the district is commendable. BJP district president Deepak Mishra celebrated the announcement, calling it a festive occasion, with celebrations planned throughout the district on Thursday. On the other hand, Umesh Kumar Gupta, president of the All India Carpet Manufacturers Association, expressed support for the government's decision, noting that it is working effectively for carpet manufacturers and weavers.
However, he also pointed out that Bhadohi is recognized globally as a carpet city, and the carpets produced there are known as Bhadohi carpets. He suggested that retaining the name Bhadohi would have been beneficial for all. Captain Mukesh Kumar Gombar, chairman of the Carpet Export Promotion Council under the Ministry of Textiles, warned that changing the district's name could create confusion abroad.
He stated, “While we honor great personalities, changing the name would erase Bhadohi's identity on the world stage, as the name itself is a brand.” Gombar mentioned that the government organizes two carpet fairs in the country, one in Delhi and another in Bhadohi, with the 'Carpet Expo Bhadohi 2026' scheduled for October. Piyush Baranwal, former general secretary of the All India Carpet Manufacturers Association and a senior member of the administrative committee of the Carpet Export Promotion Council, noted that a previous name change had a significant negative impact on exports, but the restoration of the Bhadohi name and government efforts have since boosted exports.
He urged political parties not to use this district as a political testing ground. Baranwal emphasized that carpet production occurs in 25 districts across eight states, yet only Bhadohi's carpets have received the 'GI tag' (Geographical Indication) under its name. Similarly, Bhadohi has been designated as a 'Town of Export Excellence.'
Carpet manufacturer and exporter Mushir Iqbal claimed that the Chief Minister's announcement to change the district's name was a strategy to secure Dalit votes ahead of elections, without considering the potential significant losses to the local economy and community.