The Crossbill News Desk
A fierce political controversy has erupted in Kerala after senior BJP leader and former National Council member N Sivarajan publicly suggested that India’s national flag be replaced with a saffron flag.
The remarks, made during a BJP protest at Anchuvilakku Junction in Palakkad, have sparked widespread condemnation from both the Congress and CPI(M), leading to protest marches and police complaints.
Sivarajan, who is a sitting councillor in the Palakkad municipality, made the statement during a demonstration accusing the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) of showing disrespect to ‘Bharat Mata’.
He argued that political parties should not be allowed to use flags resembling the Indian tricolour, The New Indian Express reported.
In a pointed attack, he suggested that the Congress adopt a green flag and mocked party leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, saying they might as well hoist the Italian flag — a reference to their family’s European roots.
The BJP leader also courted further controversy by referring to Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty with a derogatory slur, sparking additional criticism from various quarters.
The backlash was swift. Congress workers held a protest march in Palakkad shortly after Sivarajan’s comments, with CPI(M) members following suit.
A formal police complaint was filed by Palakkad Block Congress Committee president C.V. Satheesh, who urged authorities to invoke sedition charges and other sections of the Indian Penal Code against Sivarajan.
Leaders from both major opposition parties labelled the remarks as a direct insult to the national flag and a dangerous provocation threatening the country’s unity and constitutional values.
In response to the furore, Sivarajan issued a clarification on Monday, stating that his remarks reflected his personal views and that the final decision on the national flag rests with the Central government.
Speaking to The New Indian Express, he said the saffron flag has deep historical and cultural significance and is not limited to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
“The saffron flag has a rich history spanning centuries. It is not merely the flag of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). It symbolises India’s culture, heritage and spiritual legacy. From Lord Krishna to Swami Vivekananda and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the saffron flag has long represented Indian identity,” Sivarajan said.
“It is now up to the Union government to make an appropriate decision. I believe crores of Indians share the same sentiment,” he added.
Despite the clarification, the controversy shows no sign of abating, with political observers expecting further debate in the days to come.
Opposition leaders have demanded strict legal action against Sivarajan, accusing the BJP of attempting to erode the secular and constitutional fabric of the nation.
The remarks, made during a BJP protest at Anchuvilakku Junction in Palakkad, have sparked widespread condemnation from both the Congress and CPI(M), leading to protest marches and police complaints.
Sivarajan, who is a sitting councillor in the Palakkad municipality, made the statement during a demonstration accusing the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) of showing disrespect to ‘Bharat Mata’.
He argued that political parties should not be allowed to use flags resembling the Indian tricolour, The New Indian Express reported.
In a pointed attack, he suggested that the Congress adopt a green flag and mocked party leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, saying they might as well hoist the Italian flag — a reference to their family’s European roots.
The BJP leader also courted further controversy by referring to Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty with a derogatory slur, sparking additional criticism from various quarters.
The backlash was swift. Congress workers held a protest march in Palakkad shortly after Sivarajan’s comments, with CPI(M) members following suit.
A formal police complaint was filed by Palakkad Block Congress Committee president C.V. Satheesh, who urged authorities to invoke sedition charges and other sections of the Indian Penal Code against Sivarajan.
Leaders from both major opposition parties labelled the remarks as a direct insult to the national flag and a dangerous provocation threatening the country’s unity and constitutional values.
In response to the furore, Sivarajan issued a clarification on Monday, stating that his remarks reflected his personal views and that the final decision on the national flag rests with the Central government.
Speaking to The New Indian Express, he said the saffron flag has deep historical and cultural significance and is not limited to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
“The saffron flag has a rich history spanning centuries. It is not merely the flag of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). It symbolises India’s culture, heritage and spiritual legacy. From Lord Krishna to Swami Vivekananda and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the saffron flag has long represented Indian identity,” Sivarajan said.
“It is now up to the Union government to make an appropriate decision. I believe crores of Indians share the same sentiment,” he added.
Despite the clarification, the controversy shows no sign of abating, with political observers expecting further debate in the days to come.
Opposition leaders have demanded strict legal action against Sivarajan, accusing the BJP of attempting to erode the secular and constitutional fabric of the nation.
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