Sat Jun 21 13:37:38 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
A former BJP national executive member, N. Sivarajan, sparked controversy by publicly demanding that the BJP’s saffron flag replace the Indian national flag, the Tricolour. He made these remarks at a BJP protest regarding the “Bharat Mata” issue, also criticizing other political parties and figures. The Congress party responded with protests, demanding sedition charges against Sivarajan for insulting the national flag. Senior BJP leaders declined to comment on the issue.
**News Article:**
**BJP Leader Calls for Saffron Flag to Replace Indian Tricolour, Sparks Outrage**
**PALAKKAD, June 21, 2025** – Former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national executive member N. Sivarajan ignited a firestorm of controversy on Saturday by publicly advocating for the replacement of the Indian national flag, the Tricolour, with the BJP’s saffron flag.
Speaking at a BJP-organized protest concerning the “Bharat Mata” issue in Palakkad, Sivarajan launched a scathing attack on opposition parties. He suggested the Congress party should adopt a green flag and mocked its leaders, Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, for alleged ignorance of Indian history. He also assigned a green and white flag to the CPI(M).
“The saffron flag of the BJP should be made the Indian flag,” Sivarajan declared, prompting immediate backlash.
His remarks drew sharp condemnation from the Congress party, which organized counter-protests demanding that sedition charges be filed against Sivarajan under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act of 1971. Congress district vice-president Sumesh Achuthan has formally lodged a complaint with the District Police Chief.
Despite the uproar, prominent BJP leader and former Union Minister V. Muraleedharan has so far declined to comment on Sivarajan’s controversial statements.
The incident has reignited debates surrounding national identity and political symbolism, drawing sharp criticism from across the political spectrum.
First Piper 