Table of Contents
The decision to switch from “India” to “Bharat” on President Droupadi Murmu’s G20 invitations for foreign leaders has ignited a significant controversy. Opposition parties are accusing the ruling BJP of engaging in political one-upmanship by rebranding the nation.
This change in nomenclature is particularly noteworthy because it departs from the long-standing tradition of inviting foreign leaders on behalf of the “President of India.” Instead, these official invites for a dinner event scheduled for September 9 in Delhi now originate from the “President of Bharat.”
As India prepares to host distinguished world leaders, including US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, this shift in wording holds international significance. It has become a subject of debate and scrutiny, highlighting the complexities of language, identity, and politics on the global stage.
With the buzz surrounding the potential name change of the country and the government’s plans to discuss it in a five-day special parliamentary session starting on September 18, the opposition has been actively strategizing. It’s important to note that reports suggesting the opposition might boycott the session have been denied by opposition leaders.
Amidst the surprise and criticism surrounding this move, BJP leaders have pointed out that the term “Bharat” is already present in Article 1 of the Constitution, which states: “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.” This constitutional reference underscores the historical significance of the term “Bharat” alongside “India.”
Opposition parties have connected the government’s decision to change the country’s name with the name of their alliance aimed at challenging the BJP in the 2024 elections. This alliance is called INDIA, which stands for the “Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance.” Leaders from the INDIA bloc gathered at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence to strategize.
The India versus Bharat debate has gained momentum since the opposition alliance adopted the acronym INDIA back in July. It has become a focal point in the ongoing political discussions and preparations for the upcoming elections.
BJP Welcomes “Bharat” Nomenclature, While Questions Arise
The decision to adopt the nomenclature “Bharat” has received a warm welcome from BJP leaders.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed his satisfaction, stating, “This should have happened earlier. This gives great satisfaction to the mind. ‘Bharat’ is our introduction. We are proud of it. The President has given priority to ‘Bharat’. This is the biggest statement to come out of the colonial mindset.”
However, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal raised a thought-provoking question. He wondered whether the government would consider changing the country’s name again if the opposition alliance decided to rebrand itself as “Bharat” from INDIA.
“Why is this happening? It is being said that this is being done because we have formed an alliance named INDIA… The country belongs to 140 crore people, not to one party. If INDIA alliance rechristens itself Bharat, will they change the name of Bharat also?” questioned the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief.
Controversy Erupts Over “Bharat” vs. “India” Naming Debate
The adoption of “Bharat” over “India” in official invitations has triggered a heated controversy. RJD leader Manoj Jha remarked, “…It has just been a few weeks since we named our alliance as INDIA, and BJP has started sending invitations with ‘Republic of Bharat’ instead of ‘Republic of India’. Article 1 of the Constitution reads ‘India that is Bharat’. Neither you will be able to take India from us nor Bharat.”
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor cautioned against completely dropping the name “India,” calling it “foolish.”
Also Read: Shashi Tharoor’s Proposal Sparks ‘Bharat’ Bloc Name Debate
This controversy comes just days after the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the BJP’s ideological mentor, suggested switching from India to Bharat. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized, “We must stop using the word India and start using Bharat…The name of the country Bharat will remain Bharat wherever you go in the world. In spoken and written one must say Bharat.”
The use of “Bharat” isn’t limited to presidential invitations; it’s also featured in a G20 booklet for foreign delegates titled “Bharat, The Mother Of Democracy.” The booklet reinforces that “Bharat” is the official name of the country, as mentioned in the Constitution and discussions dating back to 1946-48. This debate highlights the ongoing discussion over the country’s name and its historical and constitutional significance.
