Controversy After BJP Flag Covers Part of National Flag at Prayer Meet for Kalyan Singh

Several opposition leaders and others commented on the photos on social media, saying that the BJP was favouring the party over the nation.

New Delhi: Images of tribute ceremony for Bharatiya Janata Party leader Kalyan Singh in Lucknow – attended by several senior BJP leaders – have created controversy because of the way a section of the national flag was covered up by the saffron party’s flag.

Singh, who was chief minister of Uttar Pradesh when the Babri Masjid was demolished in December 1992, passed away on Saturday.

The photo, which the BJP’s official Twitter handle had shared, shows Singh’s body draped with the national flag. A little less than half of the national flag, however, cannot be seen because the BJP flag has been placed on top of it.

Several opposition leaders and others commented on the photos on social media, saying that the BJP was favouring the party over the nation – an allegation they have levelled in the past as well.

Images show that the party flag was placed on the body and the national flag by BJP national president J.P. Nadda. Earlier in the day, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi had gone to pay his respects, the body was draped only in the national flag.

“India will not tolerate the insult to the national flag,” the Indian Youth Congress tweeted in Hindi. IYC leader Srinivas B.V. too questioned the act.

Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ghanshyam Tiwari agreed with the criticism, saying the BJP has a long history of placing party above nation.

Other leaders also pointed out the BJP’s alleged hypocrisy.