Veteran BJP leader sparks controversy by calling for saffron flag to replace India’s national flag
Palakkad: Former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national executive member N. Sivarajan has sparked a major controversy after suggesting that the BJP’s saffron flag should replace the Indian national flag.
His remarks, made during a protest organised by the BJP in Palakkad, where the party accused both the LDF and UDF of insulting 'Bharat Mata', has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition and triggered protests.
During his speech, Sivarajan reportedly suggested that the Congress party should use a green flag and went on to mock its leadership. He stated that Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, whom he accused of being ignorant of Indian history, should use the Italian flag.
He also claimed that the Communist Party of India (Marxist) could adopt a green-and-white flag, while advocating that the saffron flag of the BJP be officially recognised as India’s national flag.
The speech provoked immediate backlash. Congress workers staged a protest march in the town, soon followed by demonstrations by CPI(M) activists. The Congress demanded that sedition charges be filed against Sivarajan for making remarks that insult the national flag.
Congress district vice-president Sumesh Achuthan has reportedly filed a complaint with the District Police Chief, urging action under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which prohibits disrespect towards national symbols, including the flag.
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State will send ₹850 crore proposal to Centre for development of Malpe harbour: Min Mankal Vaidya
Udupi: The State will submit a Rs 850 crore proposal to the Union government for the overall development of the Malpe fishing harbour, Karnataka Minister Mankal S. Vaidya announced while laying the foundation stone for a Rs 12.52 crore modernisation project of the harbour under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
“If the Union government does not consider the proposal, the State government will finance the proposed project,” The Hindu quoted Vaidya, state's Minister for Fisheries, Ports and Inland Water Transport, as saying.
Vaidya noted that Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules continue to hinder coastal development in Karnataka, preventing the implementation of projects worth Rs 2,034 crore. He stressed the need for CRZ norms in the state to be aligned with those in other states, where such regulations do not pose a barrier to coastal infrastructure and development initiatives.
Speaking at the event, Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary said the PMMSY has revitalised the fisheries sector, enabling the implementation of several projects that benefit fishing communities nationwide. He urged the state government to prioritise dredging of estuaries and upgrading fisheries jetties to ensure year-round navigability and the safety of fishing vessels.
The Rs 12.52 crore modernisation project will focus on enhancing sanitation and water supply at the harbour, upgrading fish handling capacity, and strengthening security at the port, The Hindu quoted fisheries and ports officials as saying.
A reliable water supply and improved handling facilities are expected to speed up auctions and vessel turnarounds, while upgraded wastewater systems will help tackle long-standing issues of odour and contamination at the harbour.
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