Saffron flags put up on the occasion of Ram Navami removed after Hinduphobic Congress files complaint citing violation of Model Code of Conduct
Jaipur (Rajasthan) – Saffron flags and posters were removed in Jaipur after the Congress submitted a complaint on 13th April, the Congress accusing 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. The party demanded that action be taken.
According to reports, the saffron flags were removed following the complaint. VHP said that the flags were for Ram Navami and had nothing to do with elections and the name of Ram. VHP workers burnt the Congress’ effigy.
Meanwhile, according to a newspaper, Congress candidate for Jaipur Lok Sabha seat Prata Singh 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 Government 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 the Election Commission. Even if flags have been removed, it would have been done on the BJP Government’s orders”.
Following Congress’ complaint, the municipal corporation removed the saffron flags and ensigns overnight. The President of All India Sant Samiti and MLA Bal Mukundacharya complained to the Collector and demanded that the flags be put back.
The VHP has also issued a statement on the matter calling Congress’ allegations false. Suresh Upadhyay, in charge of the organisation in this region, said, “The saffron flag is hoisted similarly every year on Ram Navami; Congress’s complaint is completely baseless and false”.
“Hindu society has been celebrating the festival of Navaratri with great pomp for thousands of years. After the consecration of Lord Ram Lalla in Ayodhya on 22nd January, the entire country is steeped in a Ram consciousness. On this occasion, Hindus hoist saffron flags in their establishments, markets and homes, which has been a symbol of Hindu society for thousands of years. Ram Navami brings out special enthusiasm in Hindus. As someone in charge of the organisation in the area, I want to place it on record that the VHP has not put up these saffron flags. All the saffron flags that are visible across the country today have been put up by the Hindu society as their symbols which have nothing to do with politics”.
According to Upadhyay, it is unfortunate that ‘some political people in our country are irritated by Sanatan culture, Hindu religion and saffron flag’. He said that people with an anti-Hindu mentality should understand that politics has its place but we request them not to hurt the Hindu society. (Courtesy : opindia.com)