PM Modi identified as leader representing Bharat at G20 meet

PTI / Updated: Sep 9, 2023, 12:08 IST

Share

AA

Text Size

Small
Medium
Large

At the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was identified as representing 'Bharat' alongside 'India' in official documents, sparking a political controversy. The government's use of both names is a conscious decision, with some claiming it's a return to the country's ancient Hindi roots, while others see it as an attempt to downplay 'India' in favor of 'Bharat.' The ruling BJP emphasizes the Constitution's use of both names and refrains from taking sides in the debate.

PM Modi identified as leader representing Bharat at G20 meet

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during the first session of the G20 Leaders' Summit at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi (File photo/AFP)

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was identified as the leader representing 'Bharat' at the G20 Summit here on Saturday as he made his opening remarks at the beginning of the two-day meeting. The government has used 'Bharat', a name used in the Constitution for the country along with India, in several official G20 documents. Official sources have said it is a conscious decision.
The name card in front of Modi as he addressed the gathering at the Bharat Mandapam, the venue of the Summit, said 'Bharat'.
A dinner invite has been sent to G20 delegates and other guests from 'President of Bharat', a move which ignited a political row with opposition parties claiming the government is trying to drop 'India' from the country's name. They also linked the move to their decision to name their alliance INDIA.
The ruling BJP has cheered the use of Bharat, citing the ancient Hindi name's cultural roots. Some leaders claimed the English name 'India' is a colonial legacy.
The party has, however, largely avoided getting into the 'Bharat vs India' debate with its leaders noting that the Constitution uses both names for the country.

End of Article

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA