OBC group asks Fadnavis to rename Pune as Phulenagar, seeks Bharat Ratna for Mahatma Phule

The Rashtriya OBC Mukti Morcha has demanded that Pune be renamed "Phulenagar", bringing the issue of renaming the city back into discussion. The organisation has asked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to consider the proposal before the bicentenary of social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule.

Office-bearers of the Morcha recently met Fadnavis in Nagpur, where they submitted a memorandum seeking the renaming of Pune as "Phulenagar". They pointed out that Pune was Mahatma Phule's karmabhoomi, the place where he worked. Phule made a major contribution in the fields of education and social reform.

The organisation's second demand is that Mahatma Phule be conferred the Bharat Ratna posthumously. The Bharat Ratna is the country's highest civilian honour. The Morcha said the award should be given in view of his contribution to social reform and education.

The organisation said the country is moving towards the bicentenary of Mahatma Phule's birth, and renaming the city at such a time would be a tribute to his legacy and contribution.