Politics of renaming takes centre stage in battle for Dalit votes in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath announced that Bhadohi will be renamed Sant Ravidas Nagar again.

Mayawati, BSP chief, welcomed the move and demanded restoration of names of all districts named after Dalit icons, including Kasganj (renamed Kanshi Ram Nagar).

Yogi also said the government restored the name of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College, Kannauj, which was renamed by the Samajwadi Party government.

The BJP has launched the Shri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan from July 29 to February 20, 2027, to reach out to Dalit voters ahead of the 2027 assembly elections.

Mayawati suggested renaming Kasganj before the death anniversary of Kanshi Ram on October 9.