In a significant decision on Wednesday, the Karnataka cabinet approved a proposal to rename Bengaluru City University as Dr. Manmohan Singh City University. This will be the first university in the country to be named in honor of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
Politics News: Following a prolonged period of speculation regarding the Chief Minister's position in Karnataka politics, the Siddaramaiah government has announced a major and historic decision. The state cabinet approved the proposal to rename Bengaluru City University on Wednesday. The prestigious university will now be known as Dr. Manmohan Singh City University.
Furthermore, the government has also renamed two other locations—Bengaluru Rural district will now be known as North Bengaluru District, while the town of Bagepalli has been renamed Bhagyanagar.
First University in the Country Named After Dr. Manmohan Singh
The decision to rename Bengaluru City University as Dr. Manmohan Singh City University is historic in itself. It will be the first university in the country to be named after former Prime Minister and economic reformer Dr. Manmohan Singh. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that this decision aligns with his announcement made in the budget speech. While presenting the budget on March 7, 2025, he said that this step would be taken to honor Manmohan Singh's contribution to India's economy.
Distinguishing Features of Bengaluru City University
Bengaluru City University, which was created in 2017 by separating from Bengaluru Central University, is considered an important center of higher education in Karnataka. It was renamed to Bengaluru City University in 2020. Now, the Congress government has given it a new name, and it will also include Government Arts College and Government RC College, so that academic systems can be further strengthened.
Deputy Chief Minister of the state, D.K. Shivakumar, had already announced the opening of a research and study center based on Dr. Manmohan Singh's contributions at this university. Speaking in Belagavi, D.K. Shivakumar said, "Fate is not in our hands, but Dr. Manmohan Singh's contribution to the nation is immortal. We want future generations to know his policies and reforms, so a research center will be established in his name."
Names of Bengaluru Rural and Bagepalli Also Changed
- This cabinet decision includes not only the university but also the renaming of two cities.
- Bengaluru Rural district will now be known as North Bengaluru District.
- Bagepalli has been renamed Bhagyanagar.
- The government says that these name changes will give a new direction to the identity of these areas and will also facilitate administrative work.
However, politics has also begun on this decision. The opposition has termed it "politicization" and said that the Congress government wants to enhance its image by renaming the university. But Congress leaders claim that this change has been made to honor Dr. Manmohan Singh's historical contributions, not for political gain.
Many students studying at Bengaluru City University have welcomed the renaming of the university, while some have said that the administration should have focused more on basic facilities before changing the name.
