By Swayam Khandge Patil
Email: Navimumbailive.com@gmail.com
Navi Mumbai: Shiv Sena’s State Coordinator – Shiv Sena Agri-Koli Community, Namdev Rama Bhagat, has submitted a written memorandum to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, urging the state government to immediately name the Navi Mumbai International Airport after the late People’s Leader D. B. Patil.
In his memorandum, Bhagat stated that the development of Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Uran, Panvel, and Raigad has been made possible through the immense sacrifices of the region’s indigenous landowners and farmers. Generations of farmers surrendered their ancestral lands to the government at nominal prices, paving the way for urban and industrial development. However, despite their sacrifices, project-affected families have continued to struggle for employment, rehabilitation, and their rightful entitlements since the 1970s.
Bhagat emphasized that the late D. B. Patil represents far more than an individual. According to him, Patil symbolizes the struggle for the rights and dignity of the sons of the soil. Throughout his life, he fought relentlessly to secure justice for local communities. Naming the Navi Mumbai International Airport after him, Bhagat said, would not merely be a symbolic act but a fitting tribute to the history of sacrifice, resilience, and people’s movements that shaped the region.
He further said that when travelers from across the world arrive at the airport and see the name “D. B. Patil International Airport” displayed prominently, it will be a matter of immense pride not only for the Agri-Koli community but for the entire state of Maharashtra. Bhagat noted that thousands of local residents, activists, and members of the indigenous community have been peacefully campaigning for this demand through demonstrations, rallies, hunger strikes, and memoranda. Despite repeated assurances from successive governments, no concrete decision has been taken so far.
Calling for a historic and decisive move, Bhagat urged the state government to honor the long-standing public sentiment by officially naming the airport after D. B. Patil.
Bhagat also stated that he has been actively involved in social, educational, political, and public welfare initiatives for several years. He clarified that the memorandum reflects not merely his personal views but the collective aspirations and self-respect of the Agri-Koli community, the indigenous people of the region, and the Marathi-speaking population.
While acknowledging that government decisions cannot be based solely on emotions, Bhagat stressed that public sentiment holds the highest place in a democracy. Referring to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s vision of democracy as “a government of the people, by the people, and for the people,” he urged the Maharashtra government to respect the will of the people and deliver justice to this long-pending demand at the earliest.