Capital with a D problem

Delhi became the capital of India during the Delhi Sultanate, and the Mughals later adopted it as theirs. Even though the British initially ruled from Calcutta, they shifted to Delhi for political and symbolic reasons. After independence, Delhi naturally continued as the capital.

But Delhi is a legacy of the Mughals and the British. Why should a modern, independent India remain bound by its colonial and imperial past? Delhi today is an increasingly unliveable city. Should we continue investing in a place that struggles to sustain life? Delhi had its time, it served its purpose, its time to move on.

Political power in India has long been concentrated in the North, while the South and Northeast have remained underrepresented in national decision-making. Moreover, having a single seat of governance makes us vulnerable, what happens if Delhi is incapacitated in war or disaster? Should all governance grind to a halt?

It is ironic that the BJP despite its rhetoric, continues to rule from Delhi following the footsteps of the Mughals and British. If asked Mr. Modi, he will gladly move the capital to Ahmedabad, after all, it already hosts the first bullet train, the biggest stadium, GIFT City, biggest mall, and perhaps one day, even the Olympics. Dear PM, India is more than just Ahmedabad or Delhi. It is time to look beyond our Colonial and Mughal past, its time to build a new capital.

Geographically, the heart of India lies around Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh or Nagpur in Maharashtra. But perhaps we no longer need a single capital at all. In an age of digital connectivity, why not distribute power across the nation? Move the Supreme Court to Tamil Nadu, the Army HQ to Bihar, the Air Force HQ to Madhya Pradesh, the Navy HQ to Gujarat. Place the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Telangana, Education in Bihar, Finance in Maharashtra, Home ministry in Kashmir and the Environment Ministry in the Northeast. Let every region share the responsibility of governance.

And if symbolism matters, make Ayodhya the ceremonial capital truly beginning the Ram Rajya that so many dream of.

It’s time to reimagine the capital of India, to bring government closer to the people, to develop all regions equally, and to acknowledge that India is not just Delhi or Ahmedabad. India stretches from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, from Kutch to Kibithu and power should, too.