Maharashtra to Push for Renaming IIT Bombay to IIT Mumbai, Says CM Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on November 26, 2025, that his government will be formally seeking to rename the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) to IIT Mumbai. This decision follows a political uproar ignited by recent comments made by Union Minister Jitendra Singh regarding the institute’s name.

Background of the Controversy

The controversy began on November 24, 2025, during an event at IIT Bombay, where Jitendra Singh, the Minister of State for Science and Technology, commented, “As far as IIT Bombay is concerned, thank God it still has this name. You have not changed it to Mumbai. So that’s another compliment to you. And also true for Madras. It remains IIT Madras.”

These remarks sparked immediate backlash from various political figures, particularly Raj Thackeray, the leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Thackeray accused the Central government of harboring a mindset that undermines the Marathi identity, which he believes is crucial to the state’s cultural heritage.

Political Reactions

Raj Thackeray took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his discontent with Singh’s comments. He stated, “Jitendra Singh’s statement is clearly a symbol of the government’s mindset. What is this mentality?” He emphasized that the name ‘Bombay’ should be replaced with ‘Mumbai’ to reflect the city’s true identity.

Thackeray further alleged that there is a deeper conspiracy at play, recalling historical attempts to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra. He noted, “That plan was foiled by Marathi leaders and the people. Our Marathi Mumbai remained in Maharashtra. The nausea that has been accumulating in their stomachs for the past many decades has started to come out once again!”

Concerns Over Central Government’s Influence

Thackeray drew parallels between the current situation and the Centre’s recent attempts to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution, which would allow the President to directly frame regulations for the Union Territory currently administered by the Punjab Governor. He warned that similar plans might be in place for Mumbai, stating, “They don’t want ‘Mumbai’, they want ‘Bombay’, and so the attempt to slowly take over this city is definitely under way.”

CM Fadnavis’s Response

In response to the growing controversy, CM Fadnavis defended the push for renaming IIT Bombay. He stated, “First of all, everyone knows that BJP leader Ram Naik had made the biggest contribution in changing the name of Bombay to Mumbai. We always say Mumbai, and not Bombay. We have been consistently trying to ensure that ‘Bombay’ be replaced with Mumbai.”

Fadnavis confirmed that he would be writing a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Education Ministry to formally request the renaming of the prestigious institution.

The Historical Context of the Name Change

The name ‘Bombay’ has been a point of contention for many years. In 1995, the Maharashtra government officially changed the name of Bombay to Mumbai, reflecting the city’s Marathi heritage. This change was part of a broader movement to reclaim local identity and honor the city’s roots.

Despite the official name change, the term ‘Bombay’ continues to be used colloquially by many residents and in various contexts, including some institutions and businesses. The duality of the names has led to ongoing debates about identity, culture, and heritage in the region.

Public Opinion and Cultural Identity

The push to rename IIT Bombay has reignited discussions about cultural identity in Maharashtra. Many residents and cultural activists argue that the name ‘Mumbai’ is more representative of the city’s diverse population and history.

• Support for Renaming: Proponents of the name change argue that using ‘Mumbai’ reinforces local pride and acknowledges the city’s roots.
• Opposition to Renaming: Critics believe that the name ‘Bombay’ has historical significance and should be preserved as part of the city’s heritage.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the Central government will respond to the request for renaming IIT Bombay. The outcome may have implications for other institutions and the broader discourse on cultural identity in India.

Conclusion

The proposed renaming of IIT Bombay to IIT Mumbai reflects deeper issues surrounding cultural identity, regional pride, and the political landscape in Maharashtra. As discussions unfold, the voices of various stakeholders will play a crucial role in shaping the future of this iconic institution.

Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest developments and public statements as of November 26, 2025. The situation may evolve as new statements and actions are taken by the involved parties.