BJP MLA seen wiping face with flag during Tiranga Yatra in Jaipur, Congress slams act
Jaipur, May 15 (PTI): A BJP legislator was seen wiping his face with the national flag during a Tiranga Yatra held in Jaipur on Thursday, drawing sharp criticism from the opposition Congress, which termed the act "disrespectful".
The incident took place during the march taken out in honour of the Indian armed forces following the success of Operation Sindoor.
Balmukund Acharya, the MLA from Hawa Mahal assembly constituency, was seen using the tricolour to wipe his face as the rally passed through crowded markets and historic locations in the city.
A video of the act surfaced on social media, prompting criticism from Congress leaders, who accused the BJP of politicising patriotism while showing "utter disregard" for national symbols.
However, after realising his mistake, the MLA almost immediately switched to a regular piece of cloth to clean his face. Nevertheless, the moment has already drawn attention.
Reacting to the video, Congress leaders said on X, "Such behaviour during a rally meant to honour the Army and the national flag was 'insensitive' and 'disrespectful'."
There was no immediate comment from the BJP on the matter.
The Tiranga Yatra, which began from Albert Hall and concluded at Badi Chaupad, witnessed participation from Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Deputy CM Diya Kumari, BJP state president Madan Rathore and several senior party leaders.
तिरंगे का अपमान — शर्मनाक दृश्य!
— “क़ातिल की नज़र (@rajasthanipapa) May 15, 2025
भाजपा विधायक बालमुकुंद आचार्य तिरंगे से नाक साफ करते कैमरे में कैद!
क्या यही है राष्ट्रभक्ति का चेहरा?#TirangaKaApmaan #BJPMLA #BalmukundAcharya #RespectTheFlag #NationalFlagAct #Shameful #RahulGandhi #RajnathSingh pic.twitter.com/8K3eL8oEwX
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Injured Phil Salt returns home for scans
New Delhi (PTI): Royal Challengers Bengaluru opener Phil Salt has returned to England for scans on a finger injury sustained last month.
The injury has kept Salt out of RCB's last three matches, with compatriot Jacob Bethell stepping in at the top of the order.
The 29-year-old is reported to have "damaged a finger on his left hand" while diving to save a boundary at deep backward square leg during RCB's defeat to Delhi Capitals at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 18.
"Salt, who is centrally contracted by the ECB, has since returned home at the request of England's management and has undergone scans on his finger," ESPNCricinfo reported.
According to the report, both RCB and Salt are hopeful of a speedy recovery and the opener can return to India later this month.
Salt had enjoyed a strong start to the season, amassing 202 runs in six innings at an impressive strike rate of 168.33.
RCB are currently second on the points table behind Punjab Kings. They take on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Thursday next.
