Pune: MLC Tilekar Demands Renaming of Mohammedwadi to Mahadevwadi
Pune: MLC Tilekar Demands Renaming of Mohammedwadi to Mahadevwadi
Pune, July 11, 2025: BJP MLC Yogesh Tilekar has raised strong demands in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, seeking the renaming of Mohammedwadi to Mahadevwadi and the construction of a grand memorial for Dharmaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj at Dharmaveer Gad in Ahilyanagar district.
Speaking during the Point of Information, Tilekar highlighted that residents of Mohammedwadi have been demanding a name change for over 30 years. He pointed out that the area, which reportedly has no Muslim families, had unanimously approved the renaming to Mahadevwadi as far back as 1995. However, the process stalled after Mohammedwadi was brought under the jurisdiction of Pune Municipal Corporation in 1997.
Tilekar criticized the delay, stating that local representatives have consistently followed up on the issue, but the demand has not been taken seriously, leaving residents deeply dissatisfied.
In a separate proposal, Tilekar underscored the valor and sacrifice of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, calling him a symbol of courage and resilience. He urged the government to build a grand memorial at Dharmaveer Gad, similar to the monument at Sangameshwar, to honor Sambhaji Maharaj’s legacy.
Responding to Tilekar’s demands, Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar assured the House that the proposal would be considered seriously and taken forward soon.
Tilekar also flagged key infrastructure requirements for Pune city. He pressed for speedy approval of the Shivajinagar to Yewalewadi–Kondhwa metro line and demanded immediate commencement of work on the Katraj to Hadapsar metro corridor. These routes, he said, are crucial for improving connectivity and reducing traffic congestion in southern and eastern Pune, especially with an international airport planned in the city.
Additionally, he welcomed the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation’s (MSIDC) ₹6,500-crore tender for a four-lane flyover from Bhairoba Nala to Yavat but urged that the proposed 18-kilometer stretch be extended to 20 kilometers to better cater to growing traffic on the Solapur highway.
Tilekar further appealed for allocation of funds to develop a playground in honor of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, emphasizing the need for quality recreational infrastructure for local communities.
