In a potentially controversial statement, the newly elected BJP MLA from Deoband, Brijesh Singh has said that he would move a proposal in UP Assembly to rename Deoband as Deovrind to highlight its historical association with Mahabharata.
Talking to The Hindu, Singh said that the name ‘Deovrind’ will help restore the historical glory of Deoband which is presently named on Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband.
Highlighting the glorious history of Deoband, Singh recalled that the Pandavas visited the place when they were in exile.
"Deoband is quite sacred for Hindus because of its historical association with Mahabharata. Pandavas visited Deoband when they were in exile and living incognito. Their visit to the town also led to the foundation of the famous temple here,” Singh told The Hindu.
"The historical association of Deoband with the Mahabharata needs to be highlighted and reinforced in public memory. It would be unfair if Deoband is known and talked about only as a place where Darul Uloom Deoband is located,” he added.
Trying to substantiate his argument in favour of renaming Deoband, the newly elected BJP MLA pointed out how several ancient structures found in villages such as Rankhandi, Jakhwala and Jarauda Panda reminded their association with the Mahabharata period.
Brijesh Singh is the first BJP candidate to have won the elections from Deoband Assembly seat in the last 21 years.
