'I think it is just a rumor': Anurag Thakur 

NEW-DELHI: Speculation has been swirling regarding the agenda of the upcoming special session of Parliament, triggering a political controversy surrounding the name of the country. This controversy came to the forefront when President Draupadi Murmu's invitation letter for the G-20 summit dinner referred to her as the 'President of Bharat' instead of 'President of India'.

The misalignment in the term "India" and "Bharat" led to debates. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra shared the invitation letter on social media, further fuelling the discussion.

In response to the ongoing discourse, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur unequivocally dismissed speculations of any plans to change the name of the country. Thakur asserted, "I think it is just a rumor."

Thakur went on to emphasize that those who raise objections to the term "India" in the official context reveal their mindset. Addressing the issue of the President's invitation letter, he explained, "She is the President of Bharat, so 'President of Bharat' was written. What is the issue with that?"

Regarding his role as a minister in the Government of India, Thakur emphasized that there was nothing new about it. He clarified that both "Bharat" and "India" would feature on the G-20 2023 branding logo, underlining that there should be no objections to the use of the term "India." He questioned the motivations of those within India who oppose the country's name, suggesting that such objections indicate a negative sentiment towards India. He further noted that some individuals tend to criticize India when abroad and object to its name when at home.