26 September,2015 08:11 AM IST | | Agencies
A controversy erupted yesterday when PM Narendra Modi, who is on a visit to the United States to meet global leaders and CEOs, signed an Indian flag and gave it to chef Vikas Khanna to be gifted to US President
New York: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sparked a controversy by autographing an Indian flag to be gifted to the US President, Barack Obama, by celebrity chef Vikas Khanna, evoking sharp reactions over the alleged violation of the flag code.
Social media was abuzz yesterday with the issue of Narendra Modi signing on the tricolour which Khanna said he will hand over to the US President. Pics/PTI
Social media was abuzz with the issue of Modi signing on the tricolour which Khanna said he will hand over to Obama. Khanna had prepared the menu for the Prime Minister's dinner with Fortune 500 CEOs on Thursday night.
Violation of flag code?
The chef also displayed the signed flag to the media, which was later taken away by officials after the controversy erupted to check whether there was any violation of the flag code.
The Indian Flag Code, 2002, states that putting any kind of inscription upon the Indian national flag is construed as disrespect to the flag. It also states that lettering of any kind shall not be put on the tricolour.
Opposition speak
On being asked whether the Prime Minister's action of signing on a national flag was an offence under IPC, Congress' chief spokesman Randeep Surjewala said in New Delhi, "We are not petty like BJP. We respect the office of the PM".
At the same time, he said that the Prime Minister must look within and take corrective action as respect for the national flag is the responsibility of 125 crore people, more so for the PM. "However high you may be, the national flag is above you, you should understand this," Surjewala said.
Congress leader Manish Tewari tweeted, "Has PM read Para 2.1 sub para 6& Para 3.28 of Flag Code 2002 that states lettering on National Flag is misuse. 3 yrs jail under PINH Act 2003." Prime Minister told the chef that he had done him proud by preparing an elaborate menu for his guests.
BJP also used the issue to take a dig at Congress top brass, alleging the party was trying to "cover up" their "absence" due to their "holidaying" abroad by its "petty and narrow" criticism of Modi. "Congress is becoming pettier by raising such issues and raking up a controversy where none exists," BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said.
Indian flag code
The Indian Flag Code, 2002, states that putting any kind of inscription upon the Indian national flag is construed as disrespect to the flag. It also states that lettering of any kind shall not be put on the tricolour.
