India is likely to be renamed Bharat. Buzz on the country's name change gained ground after images of the official invite to the G20 Heads of State and ministers for a dinner being hosted by President Droupadi Murmu came to the fore. The invite shows the invite was from "the President of Bharat".

Soon, sources confirmed to CNBC-TV18 that a resolution is likely to be taken up in the Special Session of Parliament. The move is being seen as a response to a recent bloc of Opposition alliance calling itself INDIA.

Earlier invitations had the heading President of the Republic of India.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma put out a post on X, formerly Twitter, saying he was happy.

REPUBLIC OF BHARAT - happy and proud that our civilisation is marching ahead boldly towards AMRIT KAAL

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 5, 2023

BJP MP Harnath Singh Yadav told news agency ANI, "The entire country is demanding that we should use the word 'Bharat' instead of 'India'...The word 'India' is an abuse given to us by the British whereas the word 'Bharat' is a symbol of our culture...I want there should be a change in our Constitution and the word 'Bharat' should be added to it..."

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh hit out at the Modi government calling the move 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.

Also read | War of words over likely resolution on renaming India as Bharat — Here's who said what

How India can be renamed Bharat

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.

First Published:Sept 5, 2023 12:14 PM IST