Ahmedabad: The top leader of Gujarat unit of Vishwa Hindu Parishad has released a video statement demanding to restore Ahmedabad’s original name Karnavati. Raval read out a written statement in Facebook video and released it on Saturday.

He stated in a video posted on VHP Karnavati Mahanagar Facebook page – ‘The name Karnavati, associated with our glorious history and culture, is not just a name, but a symbol of the identity and tradition of our ancestors. Today’s Ahmedabad city has been known as Karnavati for centuries. We humbly appeal to the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat to respect the sentiments of millions of citizens by restoring the original name of the city “Karnavati”.

VHP Gujarat demands restoration of Ahmedabad’s earlier name, Karnavati, while the BJP is preparing its manifesto for the upcoming AMC polls (In video: top Gujarat VHP leader Ashok Raval releases a Statement) https://t.co/VerlvhtxvX pic.twitter.com/hQZTlpHLK1

— DeshGujarat (@DeshGujarat) April 5, 2026

VHP leader’s video has come just after the announcement of local elections in the State. Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is also going to elections, polling for which is scheduled on April 26.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had taken a stand to change the name of Ahmedabad to Karnavati in late 1990s and also mentioned the agenda in its manifesto. The civic body led by BJP had passed a resolution in this regard and then Keshubhai Patel government of BJP had also forwarded it with positive recommendation to union Home Ministry. However in subsequent Municipal Corporation elections, BJP had dropped this issue in its manifestos. BJP, its mother organization RSS, other RSS affiliated organizations including ABVP continue to use the name Karnavati in their internal and public communications.  DeshGujarat