Why Nitish Kumar Opposes Renaming Bakhtiyarpur Station Despite Lalu Yadav’s Approval

Patna, Bihar: The proposal to rename Bakhtiyarpur railway station to “Shilabhadra Yaji Nagar” has been gathering momentum for years, but political hesitation has stalled its progress. The issue resurfaced recently in the context of Nalanda University, historical debates about Bakhtiyar Khilji, and demands to honor local freedom fighters and scholars.

Historical Background:
In July 2005, during Bihar’s President’s Rule, then-Governor Buta Singh sent a proposal to Railways Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav recommending renaming Bakhtiyarpur railway station after Shilabhadra Yaji, a prominent scholar born in Bakhtiyarpur and associate of Subhas Chandra Bose. Similarly, the Ara railway station was proposed to be renamed after Akali Devi, a freedom fighter and associate of Mahatma Gandhi. The proposal was based on a demand from the All India Freedom Fighters’ Organisation, which the Governor supported.

Lalu Yadav Sends Proposal to Home Ministry:
In March 2006, Railways Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav forwarded the proposal to the Union Home Ministry, completing his administrative role. However, the Home Ministry requested additional information from the Bihar government. The state government did not provide the required details, leaving the file dormant for years. Subsequent demands were raised in 2018 by Union Minister Giriraj Singh and in 2019 by BJP Rajya Sabha MP Gopal Narayan Singh.

Nitish Kumar’s Stand:
Despite repeated demands, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has opposed the renaming. In a public interaction in September 2021, he said, “This is a trivial issue. Bakhtiyarpur is my birthplace—why should we change its name?”

Historical Context of Nalanda University:
Nalanda University, originally established by Buddhist scholars in 427 CE under Kumaragupta, was a global center of knowledge. At its peak, it hosted over 10,000 students and 2,000 scholars, offering advanced studies including Ayurveda. The university was destroyed in 1139 CE during a brutal attack by Turkic general Bakhtiyar Khilji, who also allegedly killed the great physician Shilabhadra. This history has fueled calls to remove Khilji’s name from the region’s railway station.

Modern Nalanda and Literature Festival:
Recently, the newly constructed Nalanda University campus, about 57 km from Bakhtiyarpur station, has hosted events like the Nalanda Literature Festival. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who wrote an article on ancient Nalanda 24 years ago, visited the campus and praised its architecture and academic environment. Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant also expressed admiration for the new university campus.

The Controversy:
The renaming debate encapsulates a mix of historical reverence, regional pride, and political considerations. While Lalu Yadav supported honoring Shilabhadra Yaji, Nitish Kumar’s administration has prioritized other matters, keeping the proposal pending. The issue remains unresolved, reflecting the broader complexities of honoring history while managing contemporary politics.