Rename Malabar Hill to Ramnagari: Sena corporator

MUMBAI:A Shiv Sena corporator has demanded that Malabar Hill be renamed to ‘Ramnagari’ as he claims the place has mythological significance.

Dilip Lande, who is also the Improvement Committee chairman, said the proposal will be put forward to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and discussed at the upcoming general body meeting on December 13.

“The name Malabar Hill came about after the British invaded the country. While reading a book, I came across the information that when Lord Ram and Lakshman were on their way to search Sita, they stopped at this place to rest. I demand that the name be changed so all those living in the city know about this fact,” said Lande.

Lande put forward this proposal at BMC’S monthly meeting. The proposal will now be sent to the administration for remarks on whether such a change can be done or not.

“Earlier, when MNS put forward the proposal, the Shiv Sena had opposed it. Also, Malabar is a geographical name, which has no connection with

the British or Mughals. The area was named after the pirates who came from Malabar in this coast, so this name changing exercise is futile,” Indrani Malkani, founder-trustee of Malabar Hill Residents Association, said.

The Shiv Sena had earlier made demands to change the names of cities in Maharashtra – Aurangabad to Sambhaji Nagar and Osmanabad to Dharashiv.

The most recent demand was to made by the Sambhaji Brigade to rename Pune to Jijapur.