Controversy Over Navi Mumbai Airport Naming: Congress Demands Name After Narendra Modi

A fresh political controversy erupts as Congress leader Harshwardhan Sapkal says Navi Mumbai Airport should be named after Narendra Modi, not D.B. Patil, targeting the BJP.

January 11, 2026 | Navi Mumbai – A new political debate has emerged in Maharashtra over the naming of the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, after Congress leader Harshwardhan Sapkal stated that the airport should be named after Prime Minister Narendra Modi instead of D.B. Patil. The remark, reported on January 11, 2026, has triggered sharp reactions across political circles and reignited discussions around legacy, contribution, and political intent.

D.B. Patil is widely regarded as a key figure associated with the long struggle for farmers’ rights and land acquisition issues linked to the Navi Mumbai airport project. Several organisations and political leaders have demanded that the airport be named in his honour, citing his role in representing the interests of affected farmers and local communities.

Harshwardhan Sapkal, however, questioned the BJP’s stand on the issue, alleging political inconsistency. He claimed that if the BJP truly believes in acknowledging leadership and decisive governance, then naming the airport after Prime Minister Narendra Modi would align more clearly with the party’s political narrative. Sapkal further alleged that the BJP is selectively using historical figures to suit its electoral and political strategies.

The Congress leader’s statement was interpreted by many as a political attack aimed at putting the BJP on the defensive. By invoking the Prime Minister’s name, Sapkal sought to highlight what he described as contradictions in the BJP’s approach to public memorialisation and symbolism.

The BJP strongly rejected Sapkal’s allegations, asserting that the issue of naming the airport should be handled with sensitivity and respect for local sentiments. BJP leaders reiterated that D.B. Patil’s contribution to the Navi Mumbai region and the airport movement cannot be overlooked. They accused the Congress of politicising an emotional and historically significant matter for short-term political gains.

Supporters of naming the airport after D.B. Patil argue that infrastructure projects should honour individuals who played a direct role in their realisation. Farmer groups and local activists have repeatedly stressed that D.B. Patil symbolises decades of struggle, sacrifice, and grassroots leadership connected to the airport project.

Political analysts note that the controversy reflects a broader pattern in Indian politics, where the naming of public institutions often becomes a battleground for ideological assertion and political messaging. Such debates tend to intensify ahead of elections, as parties attempt to consolidate support among specific voter groups.

Public opinion on the issue appears divided. Some citizens believe that naming the airport after a national leader like Narendra Modi would reflect India’s contemporary political era, while others insist that local history and regional contribution must take precedence. Social media platforms have witnessed heated discussions, with arguments on both sides gaining traction.

The Maharashtra government has not yet taken a final decision on the airport’s name. Officials have indicated that consultations with stakeholders, public representatives, and community groups will continue before any announcement is made. The final decision is expected to consider historical context, public sentiment, and political consensus.

As of January 11, 2026, the naming controversy has added another layer of political debate in Maharashtra. While the airport project itself is seen as a major infrastructure milestone, the dispute over its name underscores how symbolic issues can spark intense political exchanges.

Whether the airport will eventually be named after D.B. Patil, Narendra Modi, or another figure remains uncertain. For now, the remarks by Harshwardhan Sapkal have ensured that the issue stays firmly in the political spotlight, reflecting the ongoing tussle between regional legacy and national political narratives.

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