Mumbai, July 18 -- Maharashtra's cabinet has approved renaming Sangli district's Islampur as "Ishwarpur", triggering immediate political backlash during the monsoon session's closing day. Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal announced the decision in the legislative assembly, confirming they will now seek the central government approval.
The move fulfills a longstanding demand by Hindutva organization Shiv Pratisthan, led by Sambhaji Bhide, which submitted formal memorandums to Sangli authorities and vowed persistent advocacy until the change occurred.
Congress legislators condemned the renaming as diversionary tactics. "This government misleads people by prioritizing name changes over substantive issues like employment, educa...