Allahabad is now Prayagraj

lucknow — Allahabad will now on be officially known as Prayagraj. A decision to this effect was ratified by the Uttar Pradesh cabinet at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday.

Briefing the media, government spokesman and Health Minister Siddhartha Nath Singh said the decision was taken keeping in mind the rich cultural, historic and religious heritage of the city.

He added that the name Prayagraj was found mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures.

Adityanath had made the announcement in Allahabad on Saturday. Allahabad will host ‘Ardh Kumbh’ in January.

Welcoming the decision, UP BJP spokesperson Manish Shukla said, “The mentality with which Mughal emperor Akbar changed the name of the city was being opposed by the people.

“Today, the BJP government had rectified the mistake made by Akbar.”

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav had criticised the move.

The Congress had also opposed the move, claiming the name change would affect the history in which Allahabad has played a significant role since the days of Independence.

Congress spokesperson Onkar Singh had said that the region where Kumbh is held is already called Prayagraj and if the government is so eager, they can make it a separate city, but the name of Allahabad should not be changed. —