The Change in the Invitation
President Droupadi Murmu sent out invites for a dinner with foreign leaders and Chief Ministers on September 9. However, the invite said “President of Bharat” instead of the usual “President of India.” This change caused a big argument, with the opposition accusing the ruling BJP party of trying to rename the country for political reasons.
Why It’s a Big Deal
This change is significant because it’s the first time that official invitations to a dinner for foreign leaders are using “Bharat” instead of “India.” This shift in how we refer to the country on the international stage comes as we prepare to host leaders like US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Opposition’s Reaction
The opposition was not happy with this change and held meetings to discuss their response. They also denied reports that they would skip a special session in parliament scheduled for September 18.
The BJP’s Perspective
The BJP leaders defended the use of “Bharat” and pointed out that it’s mentioned in Article 1 of the Constitution, which says, “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.”
Political Connection
Opposition parties linked this change to the name of their front to challenge the BJP in the 2024 elections. They named their alliance INDIA, which created a debate between “India” and “Bharat.”
Different Opinions
Opinions on this change varied. Some welcomed it as a positive move, while others questioned the government’s motives and whether they would change it back if the opposition alliance renamed itself “Bharat.”
RSS Chief’s Input
The controversy happened shortly after the RSS chief suggested that the country should stop using “India” and use “Bharat” instead. He argued that “Bharat” is the country’s official name and should be used everywhere.
Not Just the Invite
This change isn’t limited to the invitation; it’s also seen in a G20 booklet for foreign delegates titled “Bharat, The Mother Of Democracy.” The booklet explains that “Bharat” is the country’s official name and is mentioned in the Constitution and discussions from the past.