India vs Bharat: Will special Parliament session debate country’s name change? Union minister says ‘wait and watch’ | India News – Times of India
In a significant move, President Draupadi Murmu of India extended invitations to foreign leaders for a G20 dinner, using the term “President of Bharat” instead of the traditional “President of India.” This change in nomenclature sparked a contentious debate in Indian politics. The opposition accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to rebrand the nation for political gains.
The shift in terminology raised questions about whether this change would be formalized in parliament during a special session in September. The opposition, despite initial rumors of boycotting the session, ultimately decided to participate. The BJP defended the move, pointing to Article 1 of the Indian Constitution, which includes the phrase “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.”
The debate intensified as the opposition alliance adopted the acronym “INDIA,” leading to concerns that the BJP’s decision was politically motivated. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal questioned whether the government would change the country’s name again if the opposition alliance rebranded itself as “Bharat.”
Prominent politicians expressed their views, with some welcoming the change and others cautioning against abandoning the well-established “India” brand. BJP President JP Nadda criticized the Congress, accusing them of being “anti-national” and “anti-constitution.”
This controversy followed a suggestion by the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the BJP’s ideological mentor, to replace “India” with “Bharat.” The G20 booklet for foreign delegates also adopted the term “Bharat,” citing its presence in the Constitution and historical discussions.
In summary, President Murmu’s use of “Bharat” in official invitations triggered a heated political debate in India, reflecting the country’s complex cultural and political dynamics.
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