New Delhi: Newly elected BJP MLA Mohan Singh Bisht has announced plans to rename Delhi’s Mustafabad constituency, a move seen as yet another attempt to deepen communal divides and push the saffronisation agenda. The proposal to rename the area as Shivpuri or Shiv Vihar has drawn criticism for prioritizing identity politics over pressing developmental needs.
Bisht, who previously served five terms as the MLA from Karawal Nagar, was fielded by the BJP from Mustafabad in the recent Delhi Assembly elections. He secured victory against AAP candidate Adeel Ahmad Khan and AIMIM’s Tahir Hussain by a margin of 85,215 votes. However, instead of focusing on essential public concerns such as infrastructure, employment, and civic welfare, his first major announcement centered on renaming the constituency.
In an interview with ANI, Bisht claimed that the name Mustafabad discourages “educated people” from settling in the area. He also suggested that while official figures place the Muslim population at 45 percent, his assessment puts it closer to 60 percent, further reinforcing a communal narrative. Additionally, he expressed intentions to conduct a fresh census and push for the name change.
Mustafabad was among the worst-hit areas during the 2020 Delhi riots, which erupted following the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests. The violence led to extensive destruction, loss of lives, and fear among residents, with many still struggling to rebuild their lives. Given this history, the proposed renaming raises concerns about deepening fault lines rather than fostering reconciliation and progress.
Critics argue that the BJP continues to prioritize symbolic gestures like renaming places over tangible governance. At a time when people are grappling with unemployment, inflation, and inadequate public services, the party’s emphasis on rebranding constituencies instead of addressing real issues reflects a larger pattern of polarizing politics. Whether the renaming proposal moves forward or meets resistance from the local community and administrative authorities remains to be seen.
