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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4 workers die after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad
Dhanbad (Jharkhand) (PTI): At least four workers died after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district on Saturday, a police official said.
The incident took place at Moonidih coal washery in the command area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
"Bodies of all four workers were dug out of debris during a rescue operation," Putki police station in-charge Waqar Hussain told PTI.
The incident took place when coal slurry was being loaded into trucks by workers, during which a large chunk of slurry fell and trapped several workers underneath, officials said.
The deceased have been identified as Manik Bauri, Dinesh Bauri, Deepak Bauri, and Hemlal Gope.
Meanwhile, the family members of the deceased and local villagers placed the bodies in front of the washery gate and began a protest.
They demanded compensation, jobs for dependents and action against those responsible for the incident.
Police and administration officials are trying to pacify the protesters, an official said.
