Hundreds Protest for Navi Mumbai Airport Name Change

Hundreds of protesters from Maharashtra gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Wednesday to demand that the Navi Mumbai International Airport be named after late social leader D. B. Patil. The protest, led by MP Suresh Mhatre, was organized under the banner of the 27 Gaon Sarvapakshiya Sangharsh Samiti, Kalyan-Dombivli.

The protesters, who travelled from several parts of Maharashtra, urged the Centre to approve a proposal that has been pending for nearly three years. The proposal to name the airport after D. B. Patil was unanimously passed by the Maharashtra Legislature in 2022 and forwarded to the Union government.

According to the organizers, MP Suresh Mhatre has repeatedly raised the issue in Parliament and pursued it with the Central government. Despite repeated follow-ups, the proposal has remained pending with the Centre. The protesters demanded that the Centre immediately clear the proposal, stating that it would recognize D. B. Patil's contribution to the rights of project-affected people and honor the struggles of the region's original inhabitants.

The agitation has received support from leaders of various political parties, social organizations, and community groups across Maharashtra. The protesters urged the Union government to respect the sentiments of the people of Maharashtra and grant final approval to the airport naming proposal without further delay.

D. B. Patil was a social leader who fought for the rights of project-affected people in the region. The protesters believe that naming the airport after him would be a fitting tribute to his contributions. The Navi Mumbai International Airport is a major infrastructure project in the region, and the protesters hope that the Centre will approve the proposal soon.

The protest at Jantar Mantar was peaceful, with protesters holding placards and banners demanding that the Centre approve the proposal. The organizers claimed that people from several parts of Maharashtra participated in the protest, which was held under the slogan 'Divanchi Vari, Delhichya Dari'.

The issue of naming the Navi Mumbai International Airport after D. B. Patil has been pending for nearly three years. The protesters hope that the Centre will take immediate action to approve the proposal and honor the sentiments of the people of Maharashtra.

In conclusion, the protest at Jantar Mantar highlights the demand of the people of Maharashtra to name the Navi Mumbai International Airport after D. B. Patil. The Centre's approval of the proposal would be a significant step in recognizing the contributions of the social leader and honoring the struggles of the region's original inhabitants.

The naming of the airport is not just a matter of symbolism, but also a way to recognize the history and culture of the region. The protesters believe that the Centre should respect the sentiments of the people of Maharashtra and approve the proposal without further delay.

The protest has brought attention to the issue, and it remains to be seen how the Centre will respond to the demand. The people of Maharashtra are waiting for the Centre's decision, and it is hoped that the proposal will be approved soon.