Maharashtra Cabinet approves renaming of Aurangabad to Sambhaji Nagar

Amid the ongoing political crisis, Maharashtra state Cabinet today approved the renaming of Aurangabad city to Sambhaji Nagar and Osmanabad to Dharashiv. The cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray also approved the renaming of Navi Mumbai Airport to DB Patil International Airport.

The decision on renaming of the historical central Maharashtra city of Aurangabad came just a day ahead of a floor test ordered by Governor. The Shiv Sena, which heads the ruling MVA coalition, is facing a rebellion by majority of its MLAs.

The BJP had often reminded the Sena of its own old demand to rename Aurangabad, which derived its name from Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.


Interestingly, state planning agency CIDCO had earlier proposed to name the Navi Mumbai airport after late Balasaheb Thackeray, the founder of the Shiv Sena.

(Inputs from agencies)