"Why will 'India' be removed just because we have created an alliance INDIA?" Mamata Banarjee lashes out at centre

Urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help upheld "cooperative federalism", West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Thursday that the Centre is changing the name of "India" and making it "Bharat" because the opposition alliance is named as INDIA.

Banerjee said that cooperative federalism should be upheld in the country and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to look into the matter. "Why will 'India' be removed just because we have created an alliance INDIA? Are they scared? Both the names India and Bharat can co-exist. They are changing history, names of books. It is a political campaign and political vendetta," Banerjee, hitting out at the Centre, said.

"With nearly 4-5 months to go for Lok Sabha polls, they are changing the name India. They are trying to bring new laws...One cannot change history...," the West Bengal Chief Minister said from her Kalighat residence, while speaking to media persons, on Thursday.


The West Bengal Chief Minister said, "They are suddenly saying to delete India's name everywhere. Both India and 'Bharat' will stay side by side. Some people call it Hindustan also.... There can be multiple names. The Constitution of India should be upheld and we should pay our respect to the freedom fighters and name of India and Bharat should be preserved."

She compared BJP with “Mohammad bin Tughlak” (whimsical medieval ruler), for attempting to change the country’s history by taking a series of ill-conceived decisions, including demonetisation and introduction of GST. "I have been doing politics from childhood but have never seen this before...," Banerjee said.

"If they (BJP leaders) go to foreign-they talk about "Sabka Sath Sabka Vikash" instead they pursue "Sabka Sath Sabka Satyanash", Banerjee said.

"I respect the Constitutional chair...You can fight politically but don't become a pathological liar. Don't use the vindictive attitude," Banerjee said, adding, "At gunpoint, they have captured all media. Instructions are coming from the main house of the BJP party..." Banerjee alleged.