Pakistan may lay claim over 'India' if Govt revokes recognition at UN

New Delhi: A dispute has erupted in India over the use of the name ‘India’ versus ‘Bharat,’ fuelling political controversy and raising questions about the nation's identity.

The issue began when Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President's House, issued invitations for a G20 dinner scheduled for September 9, addressing the country as ‘Bharat’ instead of the customary ‘India.’

This move has triggered criticism, particularly from opposition parties, and has given rise to concerns about Pakistan's potential claim to the name ‘India.’

Pakistan has hinted at the possibility of asserting its right to the name ‘India’ if its recognition as a separate nation is officially revoked at the United Nations level.

The argument put forth by Pakistan is that ‘India’ historically referred to the Indus region, a portion of which lies within Pakistan's borders. This assertion has added a layer of complexity to the already tense relationship between the neighbouring nations.

In response to the controversy, opposition parties have accused the ruling BJP of attempting to change the nation's name from "India" to "Bharat" out of fear of an "INDIA alliance."

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly criticized the BJP and the government, describing it as a "blatant attempt to distort the country's history."

The debate has extended into the constitutional realm, with concerns raised about the potential removal of the word "India" from the Constitution. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut voiced apprehensions, arguing that such a change would be an "insult" to the Constitution drafted by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

Raut pointed out that the Constitution already acknowledges both "India" and "Bharat," emphasizing that the use of "India" has been uncontested for decades.

Reports indicate that the government is contemplating the removal of the word "India" from the Constitution. This proposal is expected to be deliberated during the upcoming Special Session of Parliament scheduled from September 18 to 22. If implemented, it would establish "Bharat" as the sole name for the country, potentially intensifying tensions with Pakistan.

Article 1(1) of the Indian Constitution states, "India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States," affirming the legitimacy of both "India" and "Bharat" as names for the nation. The decision to retain two names was reached during discussions in the Constituent Assembly, as members were divided over the choice.

Even Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, had proposed alternatives such as "Hindustan" or "Bharat" for the newly independent nation.

The name "Bharat" holds deep cultural and historical roots in Sanskrit and was also the name of a renowned king in the medieval era, adding a layer of cultural complexity to the ongoing debate.