Bhadohi to Be Renamed After Saint Ravidas Following UP Cabinet Approval

Bhadohi, October 9 (Daily Kiran) : The district of Bhadohi in Uttar Pradesh is set to regain its historical identity as Sant Ravidas Nagar Bhadohi. This decision was approved during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday.

Previously, under the Samajwadi Party government, the district was simply referred to as Bhadohi, omitting the name of the revered saint. The current administration has decided to restore the name of Sant Ravidas, thus preserving the district’s historical significance. This move is seen as an effort to connect with both the Dalit community and the Rajbhar society.

Finance Minister Suresh Khanna announced after the cabinet meeting that the new name will honor both Sant Ravidas and the identity of Bhadohi. The decision is grounded in recognizing the contributions of Sant Ravidas to Indian saint traditions and social reform.

The history of Bhadohi’s naming is politically charged. In 1997, the district was named Sant Ravidas Nagar during Mayawati’s government. However, in 2014, under the leadership of Akhilesh Yadav, the name was changed back to Bhadohi. The current government’s reinstatement of Sant Ravidas’ name is significant, as he is a symbol of faith and social consciousness for the Dalit community.

Moreover, Bhadohi’s historical identity is closely linked to the Rajbhar community, which views this heritage as part of their tradition. Therefore, the new name holds political importance, as it acknowledges the cultural and social identities of both communities.

According to the state government, the name change is in accordance with the amended Section 6(2) of the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code, 2006, which allows the state government to issue notifications for renaming revenue areas. The proposal aligns with the guidelines of the central government established on September 11, 1953.