New York, Sept 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sparked a controversy by autographing the Indian National Flag to be gifted to US President Barack Obama by celebrity chef Vikas Khanna, evoking sharp reactions over an alleged violation of the flag code.
Social media was abuzz with the issue of Modi signing on the Tricolor which Khanna said he will hand over to Obama.
Khanna had prepared the menu for the Prime Minister’s dinner with Fortune 500 CEOs Thursday night.
The chef also displayed the signed Tricolor to the media.
However, the flag was later reportedly taken away by officials after the controversy erupted to check whether there was any violation of the flag code.
The Indian Flag Code, 2002, states that putting any kind of inscription upon the Indian national flag is construed as disrespect to the flag. It also states that lettering of any kind shall not be put on the Tricolor.
The reactions in the virtual world came thick and fast.
Congress’s chief spokesman Randeep Surjewala said in New Delhi, “We are not petty like BJP. We respect the office of the Prime Minister”. At the same time, he said that the PM must look within and take corrective action as respect for the national flag is the responsibility of 125 crore people, more so for the Prime Minister. “However high you may be, the National flag is above you, you should understand this,” he said.
Congress leader Manish Tewari tweeted, “Has PM read Para 2.1 sub para 6& Para 3.28 of Flag Code 2002 that states lettering on National Flag is misuse. 3 yrs jail under PINH
Act 2003.”
However, Press Information Bureau director general (media and communication) Frank Noronha clarified that the “memento signed by PM Modi did not have the Ashok Chakra on it or the ‘white’ colour band on it”.
The BJP accused Congress of “raking up a controversy where none exists” and making “irrelevent and unwarranted” comments against Modi. PTI
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