All India Congress Committee (AICC) president and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha M. Mallikarjun Kharge held that the term ‘Bharat’ that BJP was extensively using as an alternative to India was a counterweight to the INDIA, the coalition of Opposition parties in the run up to 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Speaking to mediapersons at his residence in Kalaburagi on September 9, Mr. Kharge pointed to the Constitution of India which called the country as India as well as ‘Bharat’ and asserted that both meant the same land.
“They [BJP] find something or the other [to counter Congress]. Isn’t our country called Bharat in our Constitution? It is clearly said that India, i.e. Bharat, is a Union of States. Who objected to calling India Bharat when it is clearly stated in the Constitution? Everybody raises the slogan Bharat Mata Ki Jai. Why did they [the BJP] come up with Start-up India, Digital India, Khelo India, Make In India and many more initiatives [when they wanted Bharat in place of India]? We [Congress] conducted Bharat Jodo Yatra, a walk-on-foot that covered 4500 km. One should not create confusion and divide society by raising such issues. The BJP idea of Bharat is an afterthought to counter the INDIA [Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, a common platform of Opposition parties against ruling BJP at the Centre],” Mr. Kharge said.
