Mumbai, August 15: The Shiv Sena (UBT) criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday, stating that India’s Independence Day has increasingly taken on a political and celebratory tone over the past decade. The party claimed it now resembles an event organized by the BJP or its affiliate organizations.
In an editorial published in their mouthpiece, ‘Saamana’, the Shiv Sena pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s choice of traditional attire during the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Red Fort appears to be strategically aligned with upcoming state elections.
The editorial highlighted that even on Independence Day, the government’s actions reflect a mindset focused on political gains. It noted that BJP-sponsored events are prevalent during this national celebration.
The piece stated, “Before the festivities, the party launched a large-scale promotional campaign called the ‘Tiranga Yatra’. The grand rallies aimed to portray the ruling party as the primary creator and protector of the Indian flag, creating an atmosphere as if the national flag was being hoisted for the first time in India.”
‘Saamana’ emphasized the stark contrast between current political campaigns and historical realities. It pointed out that before 1947, the BJP’s foundational organization was distant from the freedom struggle. Organizations that historically showed little attachment to the national flag have suddenly embraced it.
Through campaigns like ‘Tiranga Yatra’ and ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’, the ruling party’s nationalism agenda has become evident. The editorial argued that critics contend the party is exploiting the emotional atmosphere of Independence Day for political advantage and to craft an image of patriotism.
The Shiv Sena, led by Uddhav Thackeray, asserted that the BJP has transformed Independence Day, the national flag, and ‘Vande Mataram’ into massive public relations campaigns, raising questions about the timing and intensity of these initiatives.
The editorial noted that the individuals leading these rallies were not part of the freedom struggle and did not face police brutality or shed blood for this cause. It stated that thousands of freedom fighters held the flag high and sang ‘Vande Mataram’ as they faced execution, while today’s supporters remain silent.
The Thackeray faction argued that the sudden surge in organizing nationalist events coincides with increasing political pressure. Protests at locations like Jantar Mantar and growing political challenges across the country have put the ruling party on the defensive.
It concluded, “In 2014, supporters heralded the arrival of the Narendra Modi government as the true dawn of Indian freedom. Now, as public sentiment shifts, those who once viewed the flag merely as a governmental formality are spending heavily on cut-outs, rallies, and nationwide events to bolster their public image.”
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