Bihar Politics: Jitan Ram Manjhi welcomed the change of name of Gaya to ‘Gayaji’

KKN Gurugram Desk | In a politically and culturally significant move, the Bihar government has officially renamed the historic city of Gaya as ‘Gayaji’. The decision has sparked widespread discussion across the state and beyond, drawing responses from both ruling and opposition leaders. Among the most vocal supporters of the move is Union Minister Jeetan Ram Manjhi, who not only endorsed the change but also called it a matter of national and global pride.

“Now the Whole World Will Call It Gayaji”: Jeetan Ram Manjhi on Gaya Renaming

Union Minister and former Bihar Chief Minister Jeetan Ram Manjhi has welcomed the decision, stating that he feels proud to represent Gayaji in the Indian Parliament. He publicly thanked Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for respecting the long-standing demand of the people and aligning with public sentiment and cultural legacy.

“Now not just me, but the entire world will call the sacred land by its true name — Gayaji,” said Manjhi, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual value associated with the new name.

A Cultural Milestone: The Significance of Gayaji in Indian Heritage

The city of Gaya, often referred to in religious texts as Moksha Bhoomi (Land of Salvation), holds immense significance in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. It is believed to be the land where Lord Rama performed the Pind Daan rituals for his father, Dasharatha, and where Gautam Buddha meditated under the Bodhi tree in nearby Bodh Gaya.

Over the years, religious scholars and local populations have advocated that Gaya be officially recognized by its spiritually reverent name — Gayaji, a term deeply rooted in both scripture and devotion.

By adopting this name formally, Bihar’s government has attempted to align the administrative identity of the city with its religious and cultural heritage, a move being lauded by many as both timely and meaningful.

Political and Administrative Context Behind the Renaming

The official announcement came as part of the Bihar government’s broader focus on heritage and cultural identity, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. This move is being interpreted not just as a symbolic gesture but as a strategic alignment with regional pride and historical sentiment.

Jeetan Ram Manjhi, who represents the region in Parliament, hailed the renaming as the fulfillment of a long-standing public demand, one that had been gaining momentum in political and cultural circles for years.

The ruling Janata Dal (United) and its leaders have widely supported the decision. JDU State President Umesh Singh Kushwaha described it as a visionary step that demonstrates cultural consciousness and sensitivity to public sentiment.

“Gayaji Is Not Just a Name – It’s a Legacy”: JDU’s Official Statement

In a press release issued by the JDU, Umesh Singh Kushwaha stated:

“Renaming Gaya to Gayaji is not just a name change. It reflects centuries of religious reverence, spiritual identity, and cultural legacy. This decision will not only provide Gaya with a new global recognition but will also deepen the cultural self-esteem of Bihar.”

He further added that Gayaji is more than a city — it is a symbol of Bihar’s sacred geography and spiritual tradition, one that has drawn pilgrims from across the world for thousands of years.

Public Sentiment and Local Response

The decision has resonated positively with residents, particularly those involved in tourism, religious services, and heritage preservation. Many believe that this change could enhance the city’s global identity and attract greater international attention, especially from the religious tourism sector.

Local priest communities, spiritual organizations, and educational institutions have expressed support, calling it a step towards honoring sacred traditions and fostering deeper respect for India’s ancient cultural fabric.

Social media platforms saw hashtags like #Gayaji, #PrideOfBihar, and #MokshaBhoomi trending soon after the announcement, with many users praising Nitish Kumar for the move.

Potential Impact on Tourism and Cultural Economy

Tourism officials and cultural economists believe that the renaming could have positive implications for Bihar’s economy, particularly in sectors tied to religious travel and heritage tourism.

Bodh Gaya, just a few kilometers from Gaya, is already a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing millions of visitors from countries like Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar. The formal adoption of Gayaji could allow the region to be rebranded globally as a spiritual circuit, appealing to both pilgrims and heritage tourists.

With proper investment and infrastructure support, this move could help Gaya and surrounding areas evolve into international hubs of spirituality, wellness, and education.

Historical Precedents and Cultural Renaming in India

India has seen a number of cities renamed to reflect cultural and historical legacies — Allahabad to Prayagraj, Faizabad to Ayodhya, Mughalsarai to Deen Dayal Upadhyay Nagar, among others.

Such renaming efforts are often driven by a combination of political intention, cultural revivalism, and historical correction. The change from Gaya to Gayaji is being viewed through the same lens, though in this case, the spiritual connotation is significantly more prominent.

Opposition Response and Broader Political Implications

While most parties have not opposed the decision outright, some opposition voices have suggested that such symbolic changes should be accompanied by real investment in infrastructure, employment, and development.

Political analysts believe that the decision to rename Gaya may also be aimed at consolidating traditional vote banks and reinforcing identity-based politics ahead of future state and national elections.

However, the bipartisan support shown by leaders like Jeetan Ram Manjhi could soften any criticism and help the move gain wider legitimacy across political lines.

The renaming of Gaya to Gayaji is more than a bureaucratic adjustment — it’s a cultural reclaiming, a spiritual acknowledgment, and a political message. It represents an effort to align governance with grassroots reverence and to give global visibility to one of India’s most sacred sites.

Union Minister Jeetan Ram Manjhi’s remarks — “Now the entire world will say Gayaji” — reflect a deep sense of personal pride and regional belonging, sentiments that are echoed by religious leaders, politicians, and the public alike.

As Bihar seeks to redefine its cultural presence both nationally and internationally, Gayaji may become a powerful symbol of the state’s rich spiritual legacy and evolving political narrative.