Khadi calendar featuring PM Modi triggers controversy
The opposition leaders, including Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, have slammed the Centre over the issue.
The image of the 'Father of the Nation' Mahatma Gandhi has been replaced by the picture of the PM on the covers of the calendar and diary.
In the picture which has triggered a controversy, Modi is seen sitting on a pose which was associated with Mahatma Gandhi.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee opposed the move and tweeted: "The great symbol of charka and Mahatma Gandhi now gets replaced by Modi babu 1/2."
She said: "In the calendar and diary of Khadi (KVIC) 2017 Modi replaced Mahatma Gandhi ji. Gandhiji is the Father of the Nation. Modi ji what??? 2/2."
The official Twitter handle of Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi wrote: "The Mangalyaan effect."
The government, however, clarified that there is no rule that only Mahatma Gandhi's picture has to be printed the calendar.
"There are several instances when Gandhi's picture was not on KVIC material. In 1996, 2002, 2005, 2011, 2013, 2013 and 2016, Gandhiji was not there on the calendar and diary. There is no rule that only Gandhi's picture has to be on the calendar," a government source was quoted as saying by NDTV.
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