Aligarh's political landscape is witnessing a push to rewrite the narrative surrounding one of its railway stations. Satish Gautam, a Member of Parliament representing Aligarh, has formally requested Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to consider renaming the Daud Khan railway station. The impetus behind this request stems from the MP's belief that the current name evokes negative sentiments, bearing resemblance to that of the infamous underworld figure, Dawood Ibrahim.

In a letter addressed to the Railway Minister on Monday, June 9, 2025, Gautam articulated his concerns, emphasizing the absence of any historical connection or geographical relevance of the name "Daud Khan" to the region. He argued that the name inadvertently instills fear among the local populace due to its association with the wanted criminal. As an alternative, Gautam proposed christening the station as "Maharana Pratap Station," paying homage to the revered Rajput ruler known for his valor and contributions to Indian history.

The BJP MP further substantiated his demand by highlighting that the railway station, reportedly constructed in 1894, lacks any historical significance that would justify its existing nomenclature. He also pointed out the absence of any Muslim village in the vicinity bearing the name "Daud Khan." Speaking to reporters, Gautam stated that the name 'Daud' is associated with a terrorist who took many innocent lives, including those of several sisters and daughters and spread fear across Maharashtra. He expressed confidence that the Railway Minister would favorably consider his request, given Vaishnaw's "positive mindset" and demonstrated "track record of new initiatives."

However, this proposition has met with mixed reactions from the local community. While some individuals resonate with the MP's sentiment, others have voiced reservations, cautioning against what they perceive as a trend of "name politics." Mohammad Kamran, a local resident, expressed that the focus should shift from renaming places to addressing pressing issues concerning public welfare and development. He stated that these changes do not bring any real benefit, and they only stir public sentiment. He urged the ruling party to move beyond name politics and focus on real development and public welfare.

The Aligarh Junction railway station, a crucial transportation hub in Uttar Pradesh, has a rich history that dates back to 1866 when trains first started running on the East Indian Railway Company’s Howrah–Delhi line. The Bareilly–Moradabad Chord, which included a branch line to Aligarh, was later established in 1894 by the Oudh and Rohilkhand Railway. Currently, it is an 'A' class junction station. The station serves as a connecting point on the Kanpur–Delhi section of the Howrah–Delhi main line and the Howrah–Gaya–Delhi line.

This isn't the first time Aligarh Junction has been in the news. In November 2024, authorities investigated a bomb scare at the station, and in 2019, a Muslim family was reportedly attacked at the station.

The debate surrounding the renaming of the Daud Khan railway station underscores the complexities of reconciling historical narratives with contemporary concerns. While proponents argue that altering the name would serve as a symbolic gesture of distancing from undesirable associations, critics contend that such actions divert attention from substantive issues that require immediate attention. As the decision now rests with the Railway Ministry, it remains to be seen whether the station will be renamed to reflect a different chapter in Aligarh's story.