“BJP Accuses New Opposition Bloc ‘INDIA’ of Colonial Hangover”
“Opposition Leaders Slam the Change, Cite Constitutional Significance of ‘India”
A fresh controversy has emerged as invites to a G20 summit dinner, hosted at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, bore the address ‘President of Bharat’ instead of ‘President of India.’ This development has triggered a heated debate between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the newly formed opposition bloc, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been consistently criticizing the INDIA bloc, asserting that the name ‘India’ is a vestige of colonial history. However, this move to address invitations with ‘President of Bharat’ has intensified the discord.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh has alleged that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), led by Mohan Bhagwat, aims to amend the country’s Constitution by eliminating the term ‘India’ in favor of ‘Bharat.’ He emphasized that the Constitution itself acknowledges both names, stating, “Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar wrote in the constitution, ‘India That Is Bharat.’ But Modi and RSS, who oppose Ambedkar’s ideals, seek to alter the constitution.”
RJD MP Manoj Jha, reacting to the name change, stated, “…It has just been a few weeks since we named our alliance as INDIA, and the BJP has already 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 leader Jairam Ramesh criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “Mr. Modi can continue to distort history and divide India, that is Bharat, that is a Union of States. But we will not be deterred. After all, what is the objective of INDIA parties? It is BHARAT—Bring Harmony, Amity, Reconciliation And Trust. Judega BHARAT! Jeetega INDIA!”
Responding to these criticisms, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh defended the use of ‘Bharat,’ stating, “Why is there an issue with saying or writing Bharat? Why are you feeling ashamed, Jairam Ramesh? Our nation has been called Bharat since ancient times and it is even mentioned in our Constitution. They are trying to create misunderstandings for no reason.”
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari questioned the necessity of changing the name ‘India’ and pointed out that various government initiatives had embraced the term ‘India.’ He stated, “PM Modi had given names like ‘Make in India,’ ‘Skill India,’ ‘Khelo India’…They (BJP) are scared of the word ‘India,’ Article 1 of the Constitution says ‘India, that is Bharat’…How can this name (India) be removed…?”
Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar firmly affirmed the name ‘Bharat,’ emphasizing that it would remain unchanged. He said, “They have a problem with everything and I do not want to say anything for them. I am a ‘Bharatwaasi,’ the name of my country was ‘Bharat’ and will remain ‘Bharat’ always. If Congress has a problem with this, they should find a cure for it themselves.”
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed his hope that both names, ‘India’ and ‘Bharat,’ would continue to be used. He emphasized the historical significance of the name ‘India,’ which has accrued immense brand value over centuries.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah commented on the G20 Summit dinner invitations, stating, “In our Constitution, it is incorporated that ‘Constitution of India.’ India is an accepted word for the country making it ‘Bharat,’ I don’t think is required.”
Earlier this month, Mohan Bhagwat had advocated for using the name ‘Bharat’ instead of ‘India.’ BJP Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal also supported this proposal during the recently concluded monsoon session, arguing that the name ‘India’ symbolizes colonial subjugation and should be removed from the Constitution.
