Mohan Bisht, who has called for renaming Mustafabad, elected as Deputy Speaker of the Delhi Assembly

Mohan Bisht, Advocate for Renaming Mustafabad, Elected Delhi Assembly Deputy Speaker

Mohan Bisht, the BJP MLA from Ghonda and a vocal proponent of renaming Mustafabad to "Harsh Vardhan Nagar," has been elected as the Deputy Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly. The election, held on Wednesday, saw Bisht secure a majority in a consensus-driven decision, marking a significant moment in the capital's political landscape.  

Bisht, a two-time legislator known for his strong stance on cultural and historical identity issues, has long argued that renaming Mustafabad would honor the legacy of former Union Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan, who represented the area as an MLA. His campaign for the name change has drawn both support and criticism, with some residents backing the move as a reclamation of local heritage, while others view it as unnecessary politicization.  

In his first address after assuming the Deputy Speaker’s role, Bisht emphasized unity and constructive dialogue. "My priority is to ensure smooth functioning of the House and fair debates. Delhi’s development transcends political differences, and I will work to uphold democratic values," he said.  

The election, conducted peacefully despite the AAP and BJP’s frequent clashes in the Assembly, was welcomed by leaders across party lines. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal extended his congratulations, calling it a "step toward cooperative governance." Meanwhile, BJP’s Delhi unit chief praised Bisht’s grassroots connect, citing his work on sanitation, women’s safety, and infrastructure in Ghonda.  

Political analysts note that Bisht’s elevation could intensify the debate around Mustafabad’s renaming, a proposal currently under scrutiny by the New Delhi Municipal Council. As Deputy Speaker, Bisht’s influence may shape future discussions on the issue.  

For now, residents of Ghonda and Mustafabad remain divided. "If the name change brings better facilities, we’ll support it," said shopkeeper Ramesh Kumar, while homemaker Shabana Parveen countered, "History shouldn’t be erased for politics."

As Bisht takes on his new responsibilities, all eyes are on how he balances advocacy with impartiality—and whether his election signals a shift in Delhi’s cultural-political discourse.