BJP leader sparks row over flag remark

Palakkad

Veteran BJP leader and former National Council member N Sivarajan has ignited a political firestorm by suggesting that India’s national flag be replaced with a saffron one. His controversial remarks were made during a BJP-led protest at Anchuvilakku Junction in Palakkad, accusing both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) of disrespecting ‘Bharat Mata.’

Sivarajan, a sitting councillor in Palakkad municipality, also demanded a ban on political parties using flags resembling the national tricolour. Taking aim at the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), he proposed that Congress adopt a green flag and sarcastically suggested that Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, “ignorant of Indian history,” should instead hoist the Italian flag.

Adding to the controversy, Sivarajan referred to Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty using the derogatory Malayalam nickname “Shavankutty,” further provoking backlash.

His comments triggered immediate protests from Congress and CPM workers. CV Satheesh, President of the Palakkad Block Congress Committee, filed a formal complaint with the district police chief, demanding legal action under stringent charges, including sedition.

The remarks have drawn widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum, with many accusing the BJP leader of undermining national unity and disrespecting constitutional values. While BJP leaders have yet to issue an official statement in response to the outrage, opposition parties have called for his immediate suspension and a public apology. The incident is likely to escalate tensions in Kerala’s politically sensitive landscape ahead of upcoming local elections.