Rename ‘Chhatra Nizampur Gram Panchayat’ to ‘Kille Raigad Gram Panchayat’

JP MLA Gopichand Padalkar demands through a memorandum to the Chief Minister

MLA Gopichand Padalkar giving a statement to the Chief Minister.

Mumbai – Today, Raigad is known under the name ‘Chhatra Nizampur Gram Panchayat’. This is extremely unfortunate. Hence, the name ‘Chhatra Nizampur’ should be changed to ‘Kille Raigad Gram Panchayat’ – this demand was submitted by BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on 1 July.

In the memorandum, Gopichand Padalkar stated:

1. It is unfortunate that the very Raigad, where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established the capital of Hindavi Swarajya, currently falls under the jurisdiction of ‘Chhatra Nizampur Gram Panchayat’.

2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s name is revered across the world; yet, it is highly inappropriate that the Gram Panchayat of his capital still bears the name ‘Chhatra Nizampur’.

3. The jurisdiction of Chhatra Nizampur Gram Panchayat includes historic hamlets such as Raigadwadi, Wagheri, Hirkanwadi, Newaliwadi, Khadkewadi, Paradewadi, Koli Awad, Shinde Awad, Takmakwadi, Shindekon, Peruchadand Adivasiwadi, another tribal hamlet in Wagheri, and Chalakekon. The Panchayat office is currently in Nizampur, but in reality, Raigadwadi near Raigad is centrally located. The headquarters of the Panchayat should be established at Raigadwadi.

4. 70% of the Kaal hydroelectric project has been completed, and it includes the Nizampur village. Hence, considering that this village may cease to exist in the future, renaming for administrative restructuring becomes essential.

5. This demand is not merely emotional. It is of critical importance from a historical necessity, administrative coherence, and social justice standpoint. Immediate and appropriate action should be taken on this matter.

6. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation took place at Raigad. He resided there for many years. Jijamata’s palace is also located there. It is deeply unfortunate that the Gram Panchayat still bears the name ‘Chhatra Nizampur’.

7. Where did the Nizam come from beneath Raigad? What connection does the Nizam have? We want no traces of the Nizam, Adilshahi, Aurangzeb, Afzal Khan, Shaista Khan, or any of the Mughals near Raigad. Therefore, this name should be changed to ‘Kille Raigad Gram Panchayat’.

Editorial Perspective

If Raigad is identified by the name of the Nizam, it is a disgrace to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Maharashtra ! All Shiv enthusiasts must unite and raise their voice against this.