The Modi administration’s unexpected move to use the name “Bharat” in official invitations for the G20 summit has sparked controversy and political debate.
This decision appears to signal a shift towards renaming the nation from the internationally recognized “India” to its Hindi equivalent, “Bharat.” Both names are mentioned in the Constitution’s preamble, and this move has long been championed by Hindu groups. The invitation under the name “President of Bharat” was sent for the G20 dinner on September 9, raising eyebrows due to its departure from the traditional use of “India.” This follows a recent call by the leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh to officially change the country’s name to Bharat.
Critics argue that this unexpected move is an attempt to divert attention from the absence of the Chinese and Russian presidents at the G20 summit and alleged diplomatic blunders. Opposition parties have drawn parallels to a 1983 summit hosted by Indira Gandhi, where they claimed that India had more heads of state in attendance. A special parliamentary session is scheduled from September 18 to 22, leading to speculation that the government may seek to formalize the name change through a constitutional amendment. However, this shift may face resistance and become a contentious issue, potentially serving as an electoral strategy in the upcoming general elections in May.
The decision to change the country’s name is not solely based on religious sentiments but also on political considerations. The ruling BJP has been challenged by the united opposition alliance called INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), which has gained attention and caused discomfort within the BJP. Branding experts argue that the alliance’s name, INDIA, has garnered significant public interest. This has led opposition members, including those from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, and Rashtriya Janata Dal, to accuse the government of trying to counter the impact of the united opposition alliance by changing the country’s name.
Prominent political figures, such as M.K. Stalin, the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, and Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi and AAP national leader, have criticized the name change as a response to the BJP’s unease with the INDIA coalition. The Ministry of External Affairs and Rashtrapati Bhawan have not issued formal statements regarding the name change controversy, leaving questions unanswered. However, Congressman Gaurav Gogoi suggests that the BJP is portraying the names “India” and “Bharat” as antagonistic, deepening political divides. This unexpected shift in nomenclature has ignited a fierce political debate and speculation about the government’s motives. It remains to be seen whether the Modi administration will successfully implement this change and how it will impact the country’s political landscape.
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