After India defeated Pakistan in a thrilling cricket match at the Asia Cup in Dubai, video footage of BCCI secretary Jay Shah seemingly declining an offer to wave the national flag generated outrage.
After India defeated Pakistan in a thrilling cricket match at the Asia Cup in Dubai on Sunday, video footage of BCCI Secretary Jay Shah appears to show him declining an offer to wave the national flag, which has generated controversy and led to criticism from opposition politicians.
However, Priyanka Chaturvedi of the Shiv Sena backed Shah in a tweet, writing “Being impartial in your role as ACC (Asian Cricket Council) president does not include ever disrespecting any flag, especially your own. Trolls, please take a seat “.
Chaturvedi’s remark came shortly after she personally blasted Shah on Twitter, stating that to “dismiss it in this way is an insult to the country’s 133 crore inhabitants” and that the tricolor in hand is a symbol of the resolve and allegiance of Indians to the nation. Jay Shah, the son of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, received criticism from a number of Congress politicians.
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Jairam Ramesh, the general secretary of the Congress, tweeted in Hindi, “I have papa, keep the tricolor with you,” tagging the video footage in which the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appears to decline an invitation to raise the flag.
Also tweeting the video in Hindi was Congress lawmaker Ajoy Kumar, who wrote: “Looks like the tricolor was of ‘Khadi’… not of polyester.”
A change to the flag code that allows the national flag to now be manufactured of polyester and with the use of machines has drawn vehement criticism from the Congress.
Abhishek Banerjee, the general secretary of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), tweeted about the video: “The wayward prince is unaware of patriotism. The wider hypocrisy of the ruling elite is demonstrated by Jay Shah’s refusal to hold the national flag. They lack values and engage in theatrics. Jumla mastery but lack of patriotism”
TMC leader Derek O’Brien made the following remarks on the video: “Please inform the country, Dear Amit Shah, whether this act incenses you. Does the behavior damage your nationalistic feelings? Will his sonhood alone be enough to excuse this behavior?”
“We’re not searching for justifications. We are seeking answers that are specific. Sincerely, an Indian incensed, “said he.
Saket Gokhale, a spokesperson for the TMC, stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in power, has claimed that Jay Shah did not hoist the tricolor on Sunday night since he was there in that capacity and was abiding by protocol.
The former vice president of India, Hamid Ansari, was harassed by the same BJP for not saluting the flag at the Republic Day parade since he wasn’t wearing a headpiece, as is customary.
