India Might Change Its Name, Spark Controversy

India may change its country's name. According to RTVI, the Times Now television channel reports citing sources that the new name could be 'Bharat', as the country is called in Hindi.

According to the television channel, the Indian government is expected to present a resolution to change the country's official name during a special parliamentary session scheduled for September 18-22.

As noted by the channel, India's constitution currently provides for the country's two official names (the term 'India' is used in Article 1). In the near future, the government may amend the Constitution to make 'Bharat' the sole official name.

Opposition leader of the Indian National Congress, Jairam Ramesh, wrote on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that the wording on the first page of the Constitution could change to 'Bharat, formerly India'.

India's President Droupadi Murmu has already used the country's Hindi name while sending official invitations to G20 leaders for an upcoming dinner, as reported by local NDTV. 'The President of Bharat is honored to invite you to dinner on September 9, Saturday…', the invitation text states.

Additionally, the term 'Bharat' has appeared in a booklet titled 'Bharat - Mother of Democracy' presented to foreign delegates at the G20.

The use of the name 'Bharat' has already caused a scandal in India. The opposition links the government's actions to the fact that the opposition coalition formed in July received the name 'India' (INDIA, Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance).

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has questioned whether the government would change the country's name again if the opposition coalition decides to change it from 'India' to 'Bharat'.

Discussions regarding the necessity of renaming India have been ongoing for many years.