Bengal govt renames Murshidabad University after Maharaja Krishnanath

The West Bengal Assembly on Feb 7 cleared a bill to rename Murshidabad University as Murshidabad Maharaja Krishnanath University, Berhampore, a move the state government said aims to revive the region’s historical and educational legacy.

Announcing the decision during a debate in the House, Education Minister Bratya Basu told legislators that Maharaja Krishnanath, who lived for only 22 years, had donated all his property so that children in Murshidabad could access higher education.

Basu added that educationist Dr Rezaul Karim had earlier proposed naming the university after the Maharaja.

“After 123 years, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has restored full honor to Maharaja Krishnanath by renaming the university,” Basu said.

The minister said the university’s roots go back to Berhampore Krishnanath College, founded in 1853. He recalled that when the college was later renamed Murshidabad College, many local residents were unhappy and submitted representations seeking restoration of the original name linked to its legacy.

Referring to those demands, Basu said the Chief Minister approved the renaming to acknowledge the emotional and historical connection that people of Murshidabad have with the institution.

The bill was passed with support across party lines. Lalgola MLA Mohammed Ali and Basirhat Uttar MLA Rafikul Islam Mondal of the Trinamool Congress welcomed the decision and thanked the state government for honoring public sentiment.

BJP MLA Arup Das from Kanthi Dakshin in Purba Medinipur also supported the move and expressed appreciation for the renaming.

During the discussion, Das urged the education minister to ensure that Krishnanath College receives full university-level status and recognition, citing its long academic history.

With the legislation approved, the institution will officially operate as Murshidabad Maharaja Krishnanath University, Berhampore, a change legislators described as restoring due recognition to its historical legacy.