Saffron flags hoisted for Ram Navami removed in Jaipur after Congress files complaint
17 Apr 2024 11:07:57
Jaipur, April 17: Showcasing another instance of being Hinduphobic, saffron flags and posters were removed in Jaipur, Rajasthan after the Congress submitted a complaint on April 13. This came after the Congress accused the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) of putting up saffron flags in public places to benefit a particular party without seeking permission and in violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
Notably, BJP’s Hawa Mahal MLA Balmukundacharya claimed that saffron flags put up for Ram Navami were removed after the Congress candidate’s team complained that they violated the model code of conduct.
Hindu organisations expressed their displeasure after removing the flags and posters while VHP said that the flags are for Ram Navami and have nothing to do with elections and the name of Ram.
Meanwhile, according to Times of India, Congress candidate for Jaipur Lok Sabha seat Pratap Singh Khachariyawas said that no such complaint was filed by his team nor were they responsible for the removal of the flags. The report citing sources claimed that the confusion was created due to the similar colours of flags for Ram Navami and BJP flags put up to welcome Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
However, Balmukundacharya said, "Every year a procession is taken out on the occasion of Ram Navami. Given this procession, saffron flags were put up on houses and shops along the route. We came to know that the saffron flags were removed by the administration. Ram Navami has nothing to do with elections".
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Khachariyawas said, "We have no issue with banners and posters put up for Ram Navami and we have not filed any complaint. There is a BJP govt in the state and permission of the election commission is necessary for everything at this time. Anyone who wants to put up any campaign material should consult with the election commission. Even if flags have been removed, it would have been done on the BJP govt’s orders."
The VHP has also issued a statement on the matter calling Congress’s allegations false. Suresh Upadhyay, in charge of the organisation in this region, said that saffron flags have nothing to do with politics.