Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray expressed his frustration with the Union government for delaying approval to name the Navi Mumbai International Airport after the late leader DB Patil. The proposal, sent in June 2022 by the then Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, remains pending.

Highlighting the issue on the birth anniversary of DB Patil, Thackeray criticized the BJP-led Central government for what he perceived as intentional negligence toward Maharashtra.

Cabinet Decision Stalled Since 2022
The MVA government had decided to name the Navi Mumbai International Airport as ?Loknete Swargiya DB Patil International Airport? in June 2022 and had forwarded the resolution to the Union government. Despite repeated follow-ups, including written reminders to the civil aviation ministry, the proposal has seen no progress.

Aaditya Thackeray, in a post on social media platform X, stated, "It is the birth anniversary of DB Patil. In June 2022, the MVA government cabinet decided to name the Navi Mumbai International Airport as Shri DB Patil International Airport and sent the recommendation to the Union government. The current status is that the cabinet decision is still pending approval from the Union government."

Call for Immediate Action
Thackeray urged Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to approve the proposal on the late leader?s birth anniversary. He questioned whether the delay was standard for the Union government or a deliberate slight toward Maharashtra.

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport Name Also Pending
The Shiv Sena leader also pointed out that the proposal to name the airport at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) as "Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport" has been pending since 2020.

DB Patil?s Legacy
DB Patil is remembered as a prominent leader who championed the rights of farmers and the landless, particularly during the movement against land acquisition for urban development projects. The delay in honoring his legacy with the naming of a major airport has drawn widespread criticism.

Political Fallout
The delay has sparked a political war of words, with opposition leaders accusing the Centre of sidelining decisions made by state governments not led by the BJP. The demand for expediting the approval has now gained momentum, with supporters rallying behind Thackeray's call to action.