PM Modi asks all to hoist tri-colour, Congress calls it 'hypocrisy'

"Today, 22nd July has a special relevance in our history. It was on this day in 1947 that our National Flag was adopted. Sharing some interesting nuggets from history including details of the committee associated with our Tricolour and the first Tricolour unfurled by Pandit Nehru," Modi said in a tweet.

"Today, we recall the monumental courage and efforts of all those who dreamt of a flag for free India when we were fighting colonial rule. We reiterate our commitment to fulfil their vision and build the India of their dreams," he said.

Similar appeals were also made by other top BJP leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP Chief JP Nadda among others.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh however called it "hypocrisy" and said the government has destroyed livelihood as they declared that national flags can now be made of non-khadi material as well.

"Hail hypocrisy! They are destroying the livelihood of those who made the national flag from Khadi, which Nehru ji described as the dress of India's independence. He has been the campaigner of the organization which took 52 years to hoist the national flag in Nagpur," said Ramesh in reply to a tweet by the PM.

Former Congress Rahul Gandhi, in a post on Facebook, questioned why the RSS did not hoist the flag at its headquarters for 52 years.

"Tricolour is the pride of the country. 75 years ago, on 22 July 1947, i.e. on this day, the tricolor was recognized as our national flag."

Describing the symbolism of the flag, he said, "The saffron colour in our tricolor symbolizes courage and sacrifice, white color symbolizes truth, peace and purity and green color is considered a symbol of prosperity. The 24 spokes of Ashoka Chakra made on white color also have a special meaning, these spokes represent the 24 qualities of a human being".

"An important thing related to the tricolor is that the tricolor should always be of cotton, silk or khadi," he added.

"An organization refused to adopt the tricolor for which many people of our country were martyred, the tricolor was not hoisted at its headquarters in Nagpur for 52 years, the tricolor was humiliated continuously and today people who came out of the same organization Telling the history of the tricolor, are planning a 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign," he said slamming the BJP.

Rahul Gandhi questioned why the tri-colour was not hoisted at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur for 52 years. He also said the government needs to answer why it is destroying the livelihood of those who made national flags of Khadi, and why machine made, polyester flags made in China were permitted.

Since independence, as per the flag code, the Indian national flag had to be made of Khadi. However, recently, the government amended the National Flag Code, allowing polyester and imported cloth.

"Har Ghar Tiranga’ is a campaign under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to encourage people to bring the Tiranga home and to hoist it to mark the 75th year of India’s independence as per the website of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

As part of the campaign, citizens will be encouraged to hoist the tricolour at their homes during August 13-15.