In a shocking bid for publicity, veteran BJP leader N.Shivarajan ignited a firestorm by demanding India’s national tricolour be replaced with a saffron flag. Speaking at a BJP protest in palakkad , Kerala, during the “Proud of Bharat Mata” campaign, the former National Council member and sitting councillor didn’t stop there. He outrageously suggested barring political parties from using tricolour-like flags, mockingly proposing a green flag for Congress and a green-and-white flag for CPI(M), while hurling insults at Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, insinuating they adopt the Italian flag.
The remarks triggered widespread condemnation. Congress and Left leaders slammed Sivarajan for disrespecting the national flag and threatening India’s unity. Congress filed complaints with Palakkad police, demanding charges under the Prevention of Insults to National honour act 1971, and sedition laws. Social media erupted, with X users branding the comments seditious and accusing the BJP of anti-national motives.
