New Delhi: The Congress party on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his recent appeal for the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign, accusing him of attempting to “usurp” a national symbol that his ideological affiliates have long opposed.
Prime Minister Modi had urged citizens on Friday to transform the “Har Ghar Tiranga” initiative into a memorable mass movement as the country approaches Independence Day. He also replaced his profile picture on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) with the national flag, encouraging others to do the same.
In response, Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh took to X to share what he described as a “brief history of the RSS’ relationship with the Tiranga,” referencing the ideological background of Modi and his political associates.
Ramesh cited statements from RSS leaders and publications dating back to the mid-20th century, accusing the organization of historically rejecting the tricolour as the national flag. He referenced a passage from M.S. Golwalkar’s book *Bunch of Thoughts*, where the Congress’ decision to adopt the tricolour was allegedly criticized as “communal” and seen as a “case of boycott and duplication.”
Ramesh also pointed to an article published in 1947 in the RSS mouthpiece *Organiser*, which purportedly stated that the tricolour “will never be respected and adopted by Hindus.” The article reportedly argued that the flag’s three colours were inherently problematic, predicting “very bad psychological effects” and deeming it “harmful for the country.”
Further fueling the criticism, Ramesh recalled a statement made by the RSS in 2015, suggesting that “saffron should be the only colour on the national flag as other colours represent communal considerations.”
“The non-biological prime minister is attempting to usurp this national symbol, which has long been denied by his ideological relatives,” Ramesh asserted, questioning the sincerity of Modi’s appeal for the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign.
Prime Minister Modi, however, has emphasized the campaign’s importance as a unifying effort ahead of Independence Day. He has urged citizens to display the national flag proudly and to join him in celebrating the spirit of the tricolour by changing their profile pictures on social media to reflect the national emblem.
The exchange underscores ongoing tensions between the ruling party and the opposition, particularly in the context of national symbols and their historical significance. As the country gears up for its Independence Day celebrations, the debate over the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign adds another layer to the broader discourse on nationalism and identity in India.
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