Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Approves Renaming of Jalalabad Town to Parashurampuri
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has approved the renaming of Jalalabad town in Shahjahanpur district to Parashurampuri, after the Hindu sage Lord Parashuram. The decision was announced on Monday following a cabinet meeting.
State Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna told reporters that the renaming was in response to a long-standing demand from local residents, who cited the town's historical and religious significance as the birthplace of Lord Parashuram. According to Hindu scriptures, Parashuram is an avatar of Vishnu and is revered as a warrior-sage associated with the Brahmin community.
Jalalabad, originally named after the Mughal emperor Akbar (Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar), has been known by that name since the Mughal period. The change to Parashurampuri is part of a series of name changes in Uttar Pradesh under the current government, which has previously renamed cities like Allahabad to Prayagraj and Mughalsarai to Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Nagar.
The decision has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters argue that it restores the town's ancient heritage, while critics view it as a political move to align with a particular cultural narrative. The government has not yet announced a timeline for the implementation of the new name.
