Navi Mumbai airport's name sparks protest; 'not inaugurated until...' demand
As the new Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) gets ready to open, a major dispute has broken out over its name.
Local leaders and the D B Patil All-Party Action Committee want it named after Dinkar Balu Patil, a leader who fought for land rights.
They've given Maharashtra's Chief Minister until September 29, 2025, to issue an official notification naming the airport after D B Patil—or they're planning a huge protest march on October 6, 2025.
Why the name matters so much
This isn't just about a name. For local Agri and Koli communities—whose families lost land for the airport—Patil represents their struggle and hard-won compensation.
MP Suresh Mhatre summed up the mood: "Until the airport is officially named after D B Patil, there will be no inauguration."
With elections coming up soon in nearby districts, ignoring this demand could cost political parties support from key local voters.
The standoff also highlights bigger issues around identity and recognition for people impacted by big development projects.