Har Ghar Tiranga: Priyank Kharge Slams BJP, Says Campaign Should Begin at RSS Headquarters

Political Bureau |

BENGALURU

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over its nationwide Har Ghar Tiranga initiative, taking aim at the historical stance of its ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), toward the Indian National Flag.

In a strongly worded post on social media platform X, the Cabinet Minister suggested that the ruling party at the Centre should initiate its patriotic campaign directly from the RSS headquarters located in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

Priyank Kharge Questions RSS Flag History

Taking a dig at the rhetoric surrounding national pride, Kharge highlighted the historical timeline regarding the hoisting of the Tricolour at the RSS headquarters.

“The BJP should begin its Har Ghar Tiranga campaign at the RSS headquarters. For over five decades after Independence, the RSS did not hoist the Indian National Flag at its Nagpur headquarters. The Tricolour was officially hoisted only in 2002,” Priyank Kharge stated.

The Minister questioned why the BJP’s ideological parent historically prioritized the Bhagwa Dhwaj (saffron flag) over the national flag of India, demanding that the party clarify this aspect before handing out “patriotism certificates” to citizens.

Questions Raised Over Uniformed Marches

Expanding his critique, Kharge questioned the symbolism visible during public demonstrations and route marches organized by the RSS over the years.

Key Points Raised by the Minister:

 Absence of National Flag: Kharge questioned why the Tricolour remained absent from the Nagpur headquarters for decades following Indian independence.

 Symbolism in Marches: He noted that uniformed swayamsevaks (volunteers) rarely carry the Indian Tricolour during formal public route marches (Path Sanchalan).

 Patriotism Narrative: He challenged the BJP’s authority to lecture the nation on nationalism without addressing its ideological roots.

Context: The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ Campaign

The comments come amidst nationwide preparations for the Har Ghar Tiranga drive ahead of Independence Day.

First launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022 as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, the annual campaign encourages citizens across India to display the National Flag at their residences and workplaces to deepen personal connection with the symbol of the nation.