BRUSSELS: India’s main opposition leader, Rahul Gandhi, has voiced his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal to change the country’s name from India to Bharat. Gandhi, who is currently on a five-day trip to Europe, called the idea “absurd” during an interview with Al Jazeera in Brussels. This statement comes in the wake of the Modi government’s decision to use the Sanskrit word “Bharat” on dinner invitations for attendees of the G20 summit held in New Delhi.
The name change proposal sparked a significant controversy, with many questioning its timing and necessity. Rahul Gandhi viewed the uproar over the name change as a diversion tactic employed by the Modi government. He stated It’s interesting that every time we raise the issue of Mr Gautam Adani and chronic capitalism, the prime minister comes out with some dramatic new diversion tactic.
Gandhi, the leader of the opposition Congress party, has been a vocal critic of Modi’s government, accusing it of favouring big industrialists like Gautam Adani. Gandhi has called for an investigation into alleged financial violations by Adani, who controls the Adani Group, a conglomerate with interests in various sectors, including seaports and airports. Recent investigations revealed the group’s use of offshore tax havens to influence its share prices.
During his European tour, Rahul Gandhi aimed to meet with European Union lawmakers, human rights advocates, and members of the Indian diaspora in several countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and Norway.
Gandhi also highlighted the government’s reaction to the formation of a coalition of more than two dozen parties ahead of the upcoming general elections, collectively named “INDIA” (Indian National Developmental, Inclusive Alliance). He sees this as a response driven by panic, stating, This name of the opposition alliance is a fantastic idea because it represents exactly who we are. We consider ourselves to be the voice of India.
In contrast to Modi’s visits to Europe, which typically include elaborate welcome ceremonies and extensive media coverage, Gandhi’s visit has been relatively low-key. Some have questioned the timing of his visit, given that many key European leaders are currently in the Indian subcontinent for the G20 summit.
Responding to questions about his interactions with Western leaders and Modi, Gandhi rejected the notion that these meetings were giving Hindu nationalism a “free pass.” Hindu nationalist groups have faced accusations of carrying out attacks on minorities in India, particularly since Modi assumed office in 2014. However, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has consistently denied supporting such attacks. Gandhi emphasized the importance of the G20 summit as an opportunity for crucial discussions but also urged Western leaders to address pressing issues within India.
As India’s political landscape continues to evolve, discussions around issues like the proposed name change and economic policies will likely remain at the forefront of national and international debates.
