Assam CM's remarks on why he changed his Twitter bio to 'BHARAT'

Digital Desk: During ongoing India vs. Bharat controversy, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday explained his decision to use the word "BHARAT" rather than "INDIA" in his Twitter bio. He said that he "forgot" to update it after joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

He clarified that after switching from the Indian National Congress (INC) to the BJP, he had "proudly" updated the bio of his Twitter handle from "Assam, INDIA" to "Assam, BHARAT."

He highlighted the words "INDIAN" and "BHARATIYA" in his tweet, making it clear what he thought of the situation.

Taking to Twitter, Assam CM wrote, “In my previous bio, I mentioned Assam, INDIA. However, I forgot to update it after my journey from the INDIAN National Congress to the BHARATIYA Janata Party. Now, I have proudly changed my bio to Assam, BHARAT.”

“Some friends from Congress are asking me why I changed my bio. I hope this explanation will satisfy them,” CM Sarma added.

The age-old argument got new life earlier this month when the 26-party opposition coalition called their alliance "INDIA"—the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance. The Assam CM, who doesn't mind starting disputes, was quick to respond.

He contended that the "British named our country as India" and rallied with the slogan "BJP for BHARAT". We must work to rid ourselves of the effects of colonialism, he remarked. He claimed that just as our ancestors had fought for 'BHARAT', so too will the BJP continue to support 'BHARAT'.

CM Sarma wrote, “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."

After the Opposition questioned and countered him, the chief minister then posted another tweet in which he repeated his views. He wrote, “I made one tweet on BHARAT and Congress remembered the huge success of Start-Up India, Skill India and Digital India. The Constitutional adoption of the name - India, was borrowed from a Colonial legacy and continues to remain in force like many such legacies. But the civilisational conflict between Bharat and India runs much deeper than a mere choice of names. BHARAT must Win, BHARAT will Win.”