Pune: Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, who recently took charge in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet, is advocating for the renaming of Pune International Airport after 'Jagadguru Sant Shrestha Tukaram Maharaj.'

Mohol, the former Mayor of Pune, has been proactive in his new role, having already inaugurated the airport's new terminal for public use.

Mohol recently met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar to discuss the renaming proposal.

He emphasized the cultural and emotional significance of naming the airport after Sant Tukaram Maharaj, especially given that Lohegaon, the location of the airport, is the maternal home of the revered saint. Mohol highlighted that this sentiment is deeply rooted in the local villagers and the broader Warkari community.

The Minister of State for Civil Aviation urged the state government to formally draft and submit a proposal to the central government for the airport's renaming. Mohol indicated that the state government has responded positively and assured him that the proposal would soon be forwarded to the central authorities.

The process of renaming an airport involves a proposal from the state government, which is then submitted to the central government for final approval. As a representative of Pune, Mohol has taken the initiative to present this significant proposal, aligning with the local community's wishes.

"The state government is also positive about this proposal and has assured that it will soon be sent to the central government. When renaming an airport, the name proposal comes from the state government to the central government for approval. As a representative of Pune, this is why I have presented this proposal to the state government, Mohol explained.