Former cricketer Virender Sehwag recently waded into the contentious debate about renaming India as ‘Bharat.’ Just a day prior, Sehwag had openly advocated for the cricket board to brandish “Bharat” on the jerseys for the upcoming World Cup. Addressing the mounting speculation, Sehwag clarified in a comprehensive statement that his stance should not be mistaken for political posturing.
On Tuesday, Sehwag took to his social media platforms, fervently pushing for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to adopt “Bharat” as the nation’s official name. Almost immediately, this elicited a flurry of reactions. Critics, particularly supporters of opposition parties, accused him of peddling a political agenda.
Seeking to dispel the burgeoning controversy, Sehwag doubled down this morning with a follow-up post. He drew attention to the historical endorsement by the Congress party for the name ‘Bharat,’ stating that they had previously advocated for its use in all Hindi documentation. This point effectively turned the tables, highlighting that the concept was not new or inherently aligned with any current political faction.
Moreover, Sehwag flatly denied harboring any political ambitions. He revealed that he had turned down election candidacies from “both major parties,” implicitly referring to the BJP and Congress. To drive his point home, he mentioned that his stellar cricketing record alone could have easily secured him a political ticket if he had wished to venture into that arena.
In a heartfelt addition, Sehwag explained that his advocacy for the name “Bharat” was driven by personal satisfaction and national pride. “It will just give me a great deal of satisfaction and fulfillment if we are addressed as a nation by the name ‘Bharat’,” he wrote.
Virender Sehwag Responds To Critics Regarding Calling ‘India’ As ‘Bharat’
However, his comments did stir the pot, drawing a mixed bag of fervent support and stringent criticism. Some took issue with his point of view, questioning whether he felt no pride wearing the “India” jersey during his cricketing years.
ALSO READ Bhuvneshwar Kumar Teases Shubman Gill After He Mentions ‘Scientist’ As His Alternate Career
He tweeted: “Funny when people think having a desire that our nation be addressed as Bharat is viewed as a political thing. I am no fan of any particular political party. There are good people in both national parties and there are also very many incompetent people in both parties. I once again reaffirm i have never had , nor have any political aspirations. If i did have any, would have gladly accepted the last two LS elections from both parties. And if i had to , on-field achievements were enough to get a ticket from either party. Speaking heart out is different from political aspiration. My only interest is “Bharat” . As for the United Opposition calling themselves I.N.D.I.A , they can very well call themselves B.H.A.R.A.T , there are very many creative people who can suggest apt full forms for the same. Congress even had a yatra called the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Unfortunately many people feel insecure of the word “Bharat” . In my view , irrespective of the alliance name, elections will be labelled between Modi vs the leader of opposition. May the best win. It will just give me a great deal of satisfaction and fulfillment if we are addressed as a nation by the name “Bharat”.”
Funny when people think having a desire that our nation be addressed as Bharat is viewed as a political thing.
I am no fan of any particular political party. There are good people in both national parties and there are also very many incompetent people in both parties. I once… pic.twitter.com/9aJoJ6FEGp— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 6, 2023
Sehwag’s interjection into the ‘India’ versus ‘Bharat’ debate has enlivened an already spirited discussion. While he has strong supporters, his detractors are equally vocal, sparking a dialogue that transcends mere name change and enters the realm of national identity. Regardless of where public opinion ultimately settles, Sehwag has definitely succeeded in making people think more deeply about what it means to be “Indian” — or should we say, “Bharatiya.”
