Mehbooba Mufti Draws BJP Attack Over Alleged Tricolour Incident

A political controversy erupted in Srinagar on Wednesday after Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti was seen holding the Tricolour in an inverted position during a protest, triggering criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The incident took place during a sit-in demonstration organised by the PDP against the Centre’s decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special status through the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A in August 2019.

During the protest outside the PDP office in Srinagar, Mehbooba Mufti was seen holding both the National Flag and the flag of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Tricolour appeared to be displayed with the saffron band at the bottom and the green band at the top, which led to allegations from BJP leaders that the national flag had been disrespected.

According to the Flag Code of India, the Tricolour must be displayed in a specific manner, with the saffron band placed at the top, followed by the white band containing the navy blue Ashoka Chakra, and the green band at the bottom. Any incorrect display of the national flag, including an inverted position, can be considered a violation of the prescribed guidelines.

Also Read: Opposition MPs Hold Protest In Parliament Over Alleged Ram Temple Donation Theft

The BJP launched a strong attack on Mehbooba Mufti following the incident. Union Minister Giriraj Singh accused the PDP chief of disrespecting the national flag and called her a “terrorist”, alleging that she had supported terrorists in the past. Singh also referred to August 5, 2019, as a significant day in India’s constitutional history following the removal of provisions related to Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.

BJP MP Sat Paul Sharma also criticised Mehbooba Mufti, recalling her earlier statements on Article 370 and alleging that the PDP had repeatedly disrespected national sentiments. He said legal action could be considered over the alleged incident. Meanwhile, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said the matter should first be examined to determine whether the Tricolour was held upside down intentionally or accidentally, adding that everyone has a responsibility to respect the national flag.

Meanwhile, AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi questioned the BJP’s criticism of Mehbooba Mufti by referring to the party’s previous alliance with the PDP in Jammu and Kashmir. Owaisi asked the BJP to explain its earlier political association with Mufti’s party, while the controversy over the Tricolour incident continued to draw reactions from political leaders across the country.

Also Read: Secret Service Suspends Agent Over Alleged JD Vance Travel Information Leak