The President's upcoming G20 dinner has become embroiled in a political controversy that is making headlines. The cause of the uproar stems from the invitations to the event, which referred to President Droupadi Murmu as the 'President of Bharat' instead of the usual 'President of India'. This deviation from the norm has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who have accused the government of an alleged attempt to change the country's name from India to Bharat.
While this controversy continues to brew, the central government has extended invitations to former Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and HD Deve Gowda. However, it remains uncertain whether they will accept the invitations to attend the dinner, an event expected to host approximately 500 prominent business leaders.
Adding to the intrigue, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is also on the guest list for the dinner. Chief of the JD(S), he is scheduled to depart for Delhi at 10:45 AM on Saturday. Kumar's attendance could lead to a notable encounter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking their first meeting since July 2022.
In a previous announcement, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed her plans to travel to Delhi on Saturday for the G20 dinner. Her decision came on the heels of a scathing critique of the government, in which she questioned the sudden shift to exclusively using 'Bharat' when referring to India in official communications. The ruling BJP welcomed Banerjee's decision to attend the G20 dinner.
The highly anticipated G20 Summit, slated for September 9-10 in Delhi, is poised to welcome leaders from various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union. This prestigious summit will take place at the recently inaugurated Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, a venue lavishly adorned to receive foreign dignitaries.
The President's G20 dinner, scheduled for Saturday, will be hosted at a remarkable new venue, a $300-million facility designed in the shape of a conch shell. The dinner menu will showcase Indian cuisine with a special emphasis on millet, a grain promoted by the nation.
In addition to the culinary delights, the event will be elevated by a three-hour concert featuring various styles of classical and contemporary music. Titled 'Bharat Vadya Darshanam: Musical Journey of India,' this performance will be presented by the 'Gaandharva Aatodyam' group and will spotlight traditional Indian musical instruments such as the santoor, saranagi, jal tarang, and shehnai.
