India will most likely be renamed Bharat. Images of the official invite to the G20 Heads of State and Ministers for a dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu sparked speculation about the country's name change. According to the invitation, "the President of Bharat" sent it.
Soon after, sources confirmed to CNBC-TV18 that a resolution will be considered in the Special Session of Parliament. The move is seen as a reaction to a recent Opposition alliance calling itself INDIA.
Previously, invitations were addressed to the President of the Republic of India.
According to BJP MP Harnath Singh Yadav, "the entire country is demanding that we use the word 'Bharat' instead of 'India'...The word 'India' is a British insult, whereas the word 'Bharat' is a symbol of our culture...I would like to see a change in our Constitution, and the word 'Bharat' added to it..."
The move, according to Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, is an assault on the Constitution.
"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!" Ramesh said on X.
According to Article 368 of the Constitutional Amendment, the Centre needs a simple majority in both Houses of Parliament to pass the resolution on renaming India as Bharat. Once the resolution is passed, the government needs to amend the Constitution in at least 10 places where it says the 'government of India' and specifically Article 1 and Article 77 subclause (1) and (3).
Article 1 says India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.
Article 77 subclause (1) All executive action of the government of India shall be expressed to be taken in the name of the President.
Article 77 subclause (3) The President shall make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the government of India and for the allocation among Ministers of the said business.
With the invitation to the G20 heads, the government has done the 'renaming' before a Constitutional Amendment.