The Indian government is reportedly considering an official name change for the country, with “Bharat” being the proposed new name during a special session of Parliament.
Media reports have emerged suggesting that this move may have significant implications. For instance, during a recent G20 luncheon on September 9, Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President’s residence) extended an invitation to the “President of Bharat” rather than the “President of India.”
This development has given rise to speculations about the government’s intentions, with some even suggesting the possibility of a coup in India.
Himanta Biswa Sarma, Indian Chief Minister of Assam, weighed in on the matter by expressing his support for the idea of the “Republic of Bharat.” He appeared enthusiastic about the notion, stating, “We are happy and proud that our civilization is boldly advancing towards Amrit Kaal.”
Mohan Bhagwat, Indian chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has also voiced his endorsement of this proposed change. Bhagwat has previously advocated for the use of the term “Bharat” in place of “India,” citing historical precedence as the basis for this transition.
It’s noteworthy that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed views aligning with this perspective in the past.
News of this potential change has elicited a range of reactions, with both opposition and enthusiastic support. The X stratosphere has been abuzz, and people are sharing opinions, critique, and, of course, jokes. For instance, The Pakistan Experience host Shehzad Ghias Shaikh shared a small clip from his podcast, stating, “As India considers renaming itself to “Bharat”, here is Faisal Warraich talking about why maybe Pakistan should have been called “West India” because Pakistan is the region where the Indus flows – where India gets its name from.”
As India considers renaming itself to “Bharat”, here is Faisal Warraich talking about why maybe Pakistan should have been called “West India” because Pakistan is the region where the Indus flows – where India gets its name from. pic.twitter.com/iULbUfi8kw
— Shehzad Ghias Shaikh (@Shehzad89) September 5, 2023
In a similar vein, the South Asia Index handle shared the following, “Pakistan may lay claim on the name “India” if India derecognises it officially at the UN level. – local media. Nationalists in Pakistan have long argued that Pakistan has rights to the name as it refers to the Indus region in Pakistan.”
Just IN:— Pakistan may lay claim on name “India” if India derecongnises it officially at UN level. – local media
— Nationalists in Pakistan have long argued that Pakistan has rights on the name as it refers to Indus region in 🇵🇰.
— South Asia Index (@SouthAsiaIndex) September 5, 2023
