Bhadohi, October 4 (Daily Kiran) : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has reaffirmed the decision to rename Bhadohi as ‘Sant Ravidas Nagar Bhadohi’, intertwining historical significance with a political message. This change aims to restore the legacy of Sant Ravidas, a revered figure in the Dalit community, while maintaining the historical identity associated with Bhadohi.
The announcement was first made on July 29, 2026, during an event in Varanasi. Speaking from Bhadohi on Sunday, Chief Minister Adityanath reiterated that the district will officially bear the name ‘Sant Ravidas Nagar Bhadohi’. His remarks came during the inauguration and foundation-laying ceremony for 112 projects worth over ₹1,340 crores.
Bhadohi was established as a separate district on June 30, 1994, by former Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav. Three years later, on December 4, 1997, then Chief Minister Mayawati renamed it ‘Sant Ravidas Nagar’ to honor the saint. However, in a cabinet meeting on December 6, 2014, the name was reverted to ‘Bhadohi’ under former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.
Now, CM Yogi Adityanath has merged both names, creating a dual identity for the district. The historical roots of Bhadohi date back centuries, with its name derived from the ‘Bhar Raj’, which once made the area its capital. Historical records indicate that the region was governed by various rulers, including during the reign of Akbar when it was incorporated into the Allahabad government.
In 1911, it became part of the Benares princely state and remained within the Varanasi district after India gained independence. The revival of Sant Ravidas’ name is seen as a significant gesture of respect for the Dalit community, while retaining ‘Bhadohi’ acknowledges the historical heritage of the Rajbhar community.
During his address, CM Yogi also referenced Sant Ravidas’ vision of equality and community, emphasizing the government’s commitment to inclusive policies. This renaming marks the fourth significant change to the district’s name in three decades, following the earlier shifts initiated by Yadav, Mayawati, and Akhilesh Yadav.
CM Yogi’s decision to combine both names aims to solidify the cultural and historical identity of the region, fostering unity among its diverse communities.
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