Reigniting Name-Change Debate: ‘Prime Minister Of Bharat’ Stirs Controversy

New Delhi: A dinner invitation extended to G20 leaders by President Droupadi Murmu has ignited controversy and speculation. The invite, issued on Tuesday, deviated from the traditional ‘President of India’ to use the term ‘President of Bharat.’ Adding to the discourse, a new document has emerged referring to Narendra Modi as the ‘Prime Minister of Bharat.’

This note pertains to the Prime Minister’s visit to Indonesia for the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit, held on Wednesday and Thursday. BJP National Spokesperson Sambit Patra shared the note on X, formerly known as Twitter, which quickly drew criticism from the Congress.

‘The Prime Minister Of Bharat’ pic.twitter.com/lHozUHSoC4

— Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) September 5, 2023

The Congress highlighted the document’s use of both ‘ASEAN-India Summit’ and ‘Prime Minister of Bharat,’ suggesting confusion within the Modi government. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh commented, “Look at how confused the Modi government is! The Prime Minister of Bharat at the 20th ASEAN-India summit. All this drama just because the Opposition got together and called itself INDIA.”

Look at how confused the Modi government is! The Prime Minister of Bharat at the 20th ASEAN-India summit.

All this drama just because the Opposition got together and called itself INDIA 🤦🏾‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/AbT1Ax8wrO

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) September 5, 2023

Additionally, identity cards for Indian officials attending the G20 Summit on September 9 and 10 will now feature ‘Bharat – Official.’

The G20 invitation using ‘Bharat’ has sparked discussions about a potential name change for the country. This speculation is further fueled by the upcoming special session of Parliament scheduled from September 18-22, for which the government has not yet announced an agenda.

The opposition has linked the possible name change to its 28-party alliance naming itself ‘INDIA.’ Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal questioned how the Centre would respond if the bloc decided to rename itself ‘Bharat.’

Kejriwal remarked, “Just because many opposition parties have formed an alliance and called it INDIA, will the Centre change the name of the country? The country belongs to 140 crore people, not to one party. If the name of the alliance is changed to Bharat, will they change the name of Bharat to BJP?”

Several BJP leaders have embraced the use of ‘Bharat.’ Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his pride, stating, “REPUBLIC OF BHARAT – happy and proud that our civilization is marching ahead boldly towards AMRIT KAAL,” in a post on X. BJP President JP Nadda criticized the Congress, accusing the party of objecting to every issue “related to the honor and pride of the country.”