BJP Leader Prakash Reddy Backs Maithili Thakur’s Remark on Renaming Alinagar to Sitanagar
JP leader Prakash Reddy has publicly supported candidate and folk singer Maithili Thakur on her remark about renaming Alinagar to Sitanagar if she wins the upcoming Bihar assembly election. He described the move as a reflection of India’s cultural heritage.
The 25-year-old BJP nominee from Alinagar sparked debate after a video surfaced. In it, she said, “Alinagar will become Sitanagar if I win the election.” The statement drew criticism on social media, prompting Thakur to clarify her position. She said the idea was suggested by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai during her nomination filing. “It was not my idea. The suggestion came from the Union Minister Nityanand Rai. I agreed because the name should reflect Mithilanchal,” she explained.
Responding to the controversy, Prakash Reddy said opponents were unnecessarily politicizing the matter. “Why are other parties making it a political issue? Names connected to Indian mythology, history, and culture should reflect our heritage. This is a natural process,” he told ANI on Saturday.
Reddy cited examples from across India to support the claim. “Tamil Nadu’s Madras became Chennai, Calcutta became Kolkata, and Bombay became Mumbai. Similarly, Alinagar will be renamed Sitanagar. We need more cultural thinking like this for the nation’s interest,” he added.
Earlier, Maithili Thakur expressed gratitude after filing her nomination papers from Alinagar. In a post on X on October 17, she wrote, “I filed my nomination paper as the authorized BJP candidate from Alinagar. After filing, I attended a blessing assembly in the dignified presence of Union Minister Nityanand Rai. The warmth and blessings from the people inspire me.”
She further promised to serve her constituency. “With resolve for development and welfare, I will work with full strength. My heartfelt thanks to the workers, office-bearers, and people who supported me,” she posted.
Thakur also acknowledged party leadership. “I thank the central and state BJP and NDA leadership for trusting me. I will work with dedication to serve Alinagar and promote BJP-NDA public welfare policies across every village and individual,” she added.
The upcoming Bihar assembly election features a primary contest between the incumbent NDA, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and the Mahagathbandhan, led by the RJD. Analysts say cultural and symbolic issues, like renaming towns, may play a role in shaping voter sentiment in certain regions.
Observers note that Thakur’s candidacy combines cultural appeal with political messaging. Her profile as a folk singer and her alignment with BJP’s narrative of promoting Indian heritage has drawn attention in Alinagar and neighboring constituencies.
In conclusion, Prakash Reddy’s endorsement strengthens Thakur’s position and frames the renaming issue as part of India’s cultural legacy. As the election approaches, debates over symbolic measures and development agendas are expected to intensify.
