In a tweet posted recently, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma voiced his concerns about the colonial influence on the country’s nomenclature. He stated, “Our civilisational conflict is pivoted around India and Bharat. The British named our country India. We must strive to free ourselves from colonial legacies. Our forefathers fought for Bharat, and we will continue to work for Bharat. BJP for BHARAT.”
Sarma’s decision to alter his Twitter bio and replace ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’ reflects his commitment to break away from the remnants of British rule and embrace the nation’s indigenous identity. By doing so, Sarma aims to instigate a broader conversation about reclaiming India’s cultural heritage and restoring its pride.
This move by the Assam Chief Minister comes shortly after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge announced the name of the opposition alliance, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). Sarma criticized this name, considering it a continuation of the British-imposed nomenclature. Kharge had highlighted the alliance’s objective of protecting democracy and the Constitution, stating that the second meeting would be crucial in safeguarding the interests of the country’s citizens.
As the Lok Sabha elections in 2024 draw closer, political alliances are actively working to solidify their positions and gain public support. Himanta Biswa Sarma’s decision to modify his Twitter bio underscores the ongoing political discourse surrounding national identity and decolonization.
