Mumbai: The Maharashtra State Government has officially renamed Velhe taluka in Pune district as “Rajgad,” honoring the historic Rajgad Fort, the first capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The decision, announced by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, fulfills a long-standing demand of the local residents and reflects the area’s rich historical significance.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said, “I take pride in being a (Mavala) of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and as Revenue Minister, this decision brings me immense joy. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj governed from this very fort. This decision, tied to our historical legacy, is a moment of pride for the 140 million people of Maharashtra. I extend my special thanks to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for this.”
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amitbhai Shah, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister and Pune District Guardian Minister Ajitdada Pawar, Bawankule mentioned that the final decision was made in accordance with the provisions of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966.
The name change was approved by the Union Home Ministry on May 6, 2025, following resolutions passed by 58 out of 70 gram panchayats in Velhe taluka and the Pune Zilla Parishad on November 22, 2021. A government notification issued on March 16, 2024, received no objections, paving the way for the final decision under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966. The official gazette will be published within two day
