Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raghav Chadha on Tuesday 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. This comes amid speculation that the Indian government is planning to name the country 'Bharat' as its sole official name after G20 dinner invites from the President House read 'President of Bharat' instead of 'President of India'.
"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.
The BJP-led NDA government's move to change the reference from 'President of India' to 'President of Bharat' on official G20 summit invitations has raised eyebrows and ignited a public debate.
Earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal delivered similar remarks when he said, " 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.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is a part of the opposition bloc I.N.D.I.A. Arvind Kejriwal, who is the national convener of AAP, claimed that the BJP was afraid of the alliance and hence, is resorting to such changes, which he also labelled as treason.
"What a joke is this! This is our country. We have an ancient culture," he said, as per PTI.
Kejriwal stressed that the saffron party was so disturbed by the opposition alliance that when it was first announced , the Centre tried to divert people's attention with its 'One nation, One election' proposal.
"Their response to the I.N.D.I.A alliance shows that they are quite flustered. They released the gimmick of 'One Nation One Election' to divert attention. How can they conduct a 'One Nation One Election'? How will it benefit people? How will it benefit you, and your family? Will it lead to a reduction in price rise, unemployment? he asked.
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