In a significant move honoring the rich historical legacy of Pune district, the state cabinet has approved the renaming of Velhe taluka as ‘Rajgad,’ paying homage to the iconic Rajgad fort. Expressing his profound happiness, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar lauded the decision, emphasizing the fulfillment of the longstanding aspirations of the region’s residents and Pune District.
Velhe taluka boasts pivotal historical landmarks like Rajgad and Torna forts, which played integral roles during Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s reign. Rajgad fort, in particular, served as the first capital of Swarajya, where the revered leader administered the kingdom for 27 years.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has been actively involved in championing the cause for renaming Velhe taluka to ‘Rajgad’ over the past few years, serving as both the Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister of Pune district. His persistent efforts culminated in garnering support from 58 out of 70 Gram Panchayats in the taluka, along with the approval of the Pune Zilla Parishad in November 2021.
Ajit Pawar’s advocacy for the name change, underscored by his letter to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in April 2023 during his tenure as the Leader of Opposition, has now come to fruition under his current role as Deputy Chief Minister. The decision has evoked pride and joy among the people of Velhe taluka, Pune district, and Maharashtra as a whole, symbolizing a tribute to their cultural heritage.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar extends his heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to all the Gram Panchayats and Zilla Parishad members who contributed to this significant decision, further solidifying the region’s bond with its illustrious past.
