President of "Bharat" instead of "India", Govt's invite for G-20 Dinner

The Narendra Modi government has stirred controversy by extending invitations for a dinner on the occasion of the G20 summit, referring to the President as the "President of Bharat" instead of India. This move has garnered immediate attention and response from the Opposition party, I.N.D.I.A., with allegations that the ruling BJP is concerned about alliances and the changing nomenclature may signal a broader shift.

For the first time in an official invite to foreign heads of state attending the G20 summit, the term "President of Bharat" has been introduced, replacing the traditional "President of India." This alteration in terminology on the international stage is notable as India hosts this significant event.

The invitation, issued by President Draupadi Murmu, is scheduled for a dinner on September 9. This development has sparked speculation about potential government plans to officially change the country's name from India to Bharat. Some even conjectured the possibility of a resolution in the upcoming Special Session of Parliament to address this issue.

Senior Congress MP Manish Tewari highlighted Article 52 of the Constitution in his tweet and wrote, "there shall be a President of India”. “can’t get more explicit than this. Can it??????”

Article 52 - Constitution of India.

There shall be a President of INDIA

Can’t get more explicit than this - Can it ??????? pic.twitter.com/9OoPcLBktW

— Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) September 5, 2023

Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary (Communications), weighed in on the matter and expressed his concerns about potential shifts in the foundational framework and unity of the country. “Now, Article 1 in the Constitution can read: Bharat, that was India, shall be a Union of States. But now even this ‘Union of States’ is under assault,” he said. “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. BHARAT Jeetega INDIA!” he posted on ‘X’.

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! https://t.co/L0gsXUEEEK

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) September 5, 2023