'BJP Should Stop Fatuous Game Of Changing Names': Tharoor Coins New Definition For 'B.H.A.R.A.T'

“We could of course call ourselves the Alliance for Betterment, Harmony And Responsible Advancement for Tomorrow (BHARAT), said Shashi Tharoor.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on India Vs Bharat row

Source : PTI File Photo

The leaders of Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc on Wednesday hinted at changing their alliance’s name if the Centre changes India’s state title to Bharat’. The remarks came after the G20 dinner invitations sent out by President Droupadi Murmu described her position as 'President of Bharat' instead of the customary 'President of India’. “We could of course call ourselves the Alliance for Betterment, Harmony And Responsible Advancement for Tomorrow (BHARAT),” tweeted Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on X. 

“In our constitution, both names are registered. Both, the names 'India' and 'Bharat' are written... The Prime Minister's plane has India and Bharat written on it... From how many places would we rename,” said National Conference leader Omar Abdullah. 

We could of course call ourselves the Alliance for Betterment, Harmony And Responsible Advancement for Tomorrow (BHARAT).

Then perhaps the ruling party might stop this fatuous game of changing names.

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) September 6, 2023

“If it is just because the opposition has named itself INDIA, then we will change our name... We don't want to cause loss to the nation... If we get the slightest hint that it is because of the name INDIA Alliance, we will change our name," he added. 

On Tuesday, Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha remarked that the united Opposition alliance I.N.D.I.A might consider renaming itself as 'Bharat' in its next mega huddle, jibing at Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government to think of a new name for the country in the meantime.

"We might consider changing the name of our alliance to BHARAT in the next meeting. Meanwhile the BJP should now start thinking of a new name for the country," he posted on X.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also delivered similar remarks saying, " I have heard rumours. Why is this happening? It is being said that this is being done because we have formed an alliance named I.N.D.I.A… The country belongs to 140 crore people and not to one party. If I.N.D.I.A alliance rechristens itself Bharat, will they change the name of Bharat also", news agency PTI reported.

Speculations are rife that the Centre may propose to change the country’s official name from India to Bharat during the five-day special session of the Parliament from September 18 to 22. 

However, as per ABP News sources, Modi has instructed the ministers not to speak on the issue.