Khandelwal urges centre to rename Delhi as ‘Indraprastha’

Praveen Khandelwal, Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk, has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging that the national capital be renamed “Indraprastha”, reconnecting it with its ancient, cultural, and civilisational roots.

In his letter, Khandelwal said Delhi’s history is not merely thousands of years old; it is the living embodiment of Indian civilization and the glorious legacy of the city of Indraprastha, established by the Pandavas.

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Today marks Delhi’s Foundation Day (1st November) — when, in 1956, Delhi was declared a Union Territory under the States Reorganisation Act, he said.

Khandelwal further urged the Union Home Minister that Old Delhi Railway Station be renamed as “Indraprastha Junction”, and the Indira Gandhi International Airport be renamed as “Indraprastha Airport”.

He also requested that grand statues of the Pandavas be installed at a prominent location in Delhi, since it was they who founded Delhi as Indraprastha, their capital city.

Copies of his letter have also been sent to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, and Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

Khandelwal said history bears witness that during the Mahabharata era, the Pandavas established their capital Indraprastha on the banks of the Yamuna — one of the most prosperous, beautiful, and well-organised cities of its time. It was here that governance based on dharma (righteousness), justice, and public welfare began.

He said, just as India’s other ancient cities, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Ujjain, and Varanasi have reconnected with their original heritage, Delhi too must be honored by restoring its ancient identity as Indraprastha.

This transformation would not only be historical justice, but also a significant step toward cultural renaissance, Khandelwal said.