Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Mohan Yadav, on Wednesday reiterated his government's commitment to honouring Gondwana queen and tribal icon Rani Durgavati, announcing that he would personally pursue with the Centre the proposal to rename Jabalpur's Dumna Airport after the legendary warrior queen.
The announcement was made during programmes organised in Jabalpur to mark the martyrdom day of Rani Durgavati, who laid down her life on June 24, 1564, while fighting the Mughal forces led by Asaf Khan. Addressing the event, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said, “I will personally take the proposal to the Central government so that Dumna Airport can be renamed after Rani Durgavati.
Our government has consistently worked to honour her legacy, and last year we named a major flyover in Jabalpur after her.” The issue was raised by Public Works Department (PWD) Minister and senior BJP leader, Rakesh Singh, who reminded the Chief Minister that the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly had already passed a resolution last year seeking the renaming of Dumna Airport after Rani Durgavati and forwarded it to the Centre for approval.
Rakesh Singh said, “The Assembly has already passed the proposal and sent it to Delhi. Since no decision has been taken so far, I request the Chief Minister to ensure that the Centre approves it at the earliest so that this long-standing demand of the people of Mahakaushal is fulfilled.”
The demand has gained political traction across party lines, with Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar also questioning the delay in implementing the proposal. “When the BJP has governments both in Madhya Pradesh and at the Centre, why has the proposal not been implemented yet?
The Chief Minister should not stop at making announcements; he should tell people when the airport will actually bear Rani Durgavati's name,” Singhar said taking a swipe at the ruling BJP. Dumna Airport, officially known as Jabalpur Airport, is one of the key aviation hubs in Madhya Pradesh and serves the Mahakaushal region.
Located around 20 km from Jabalpur city, the airport has witnessed significant expansion in recent years, including the development of a modern terminal building and enhanced passenger facilities. The airport currently operates under the Airports Authority of India and connects Jabalpur with major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
The proposal to rename the airport after Rani Durgavati is viewed as a symbolic recognition of her contribution to tribal history and her valiant resistance against invading forces. Born in 1524 and married to Gond ruler Dalpat Shah, Rani Durgavati is revered across central India for her courage, administrative acumen and sacrifice.
Her martyrdom day, observed as 'Balidan Diwas', continues to be commemorated across Madhya Pradesh, particularly in the Mahakaushal region, where she remains an enduring symbol of tribal pride, valour and self-respect. Born in 1524 and married to Gond ruler Dalpat Shah, Rani Durgavati is revered across central India for her courage, administrative acumen and sacrifice.
Her martyrdom day, observed as 'Balidan Diwas', continues to be commemorated across Madhya Pradesh, particularly in the Mahakaushal region, where she remains an enduring symbol of tribal pride, valour and self-respect.