India Vs Bharat: What does Article 1 and Preamble say about nation's official name?

The Central government and the opposition parties are engaged in a heated debate over the potential amendment of Article 1 of the Constitution by removing the word 'India' while retaining 'Bharat.' According to sources, India is likely to be officially named Bharat as the Centre is mulling to move a bill for the amendment during the five-day special session of the Parliament from September 18-22. As the row over the nomenclature snowballs, let us take a look at what Article 1 of the Indian constitution says. 

Article 1 of the Constitution of India

Article 1

(1) India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.

(2) The States and the territories thereof shall be as specified in the First Schedule.

(3) The territory of India shall comprise— (a) the territories of the States; (b) the Union territories specified in the First Schedule; and (c) such other territories as may be acquired.

What does Article 1 of the Constitution mean?

First of all, both India and Bharat have been recognised as official names of the country. Article 1 also highlights the unity and integrity of the nation by bringing all its states and territories under the same Union. If and when the Centre moves a resolution for the said amendment under Article 368 which empowers the government to do so, question remains if the changes will extend to the Preamble, which uses India as the official name. 

The Preamble of India

WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA,
having solemnly resolved to constitute India
into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC
REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:
JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
EQUALITY of status and of opportunity;
and to promote among them all
FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and
the unity and integrity of the Nation;
IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this 26th day of
November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE
TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION

India Vs Bharat row intensifies

A war of words has ensued between the Centre and the opposition ever since reports of the amendment surfaced. The controversy intensified after Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posted on X about the Rashtrapati Bhawan sending out invitations for a G20 dinner on September 9 from the 'President of Bharat' instead of 'President of India'. 

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma also called India 'Republic of Bharat' on X, hinting about the change that might be underway. "REPUBLIC OF BHARAT - happy and proud that our civilisation is marching ahead boldly towards AMRIT KAAL," Sarma wrote.

The Congress party meanwhile, is accusing the Modi government of dividing India with the move, the AAP chief and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said that the move is a betrayal to the nation.