Tripura Congress’s Harsh Criticism of BJP’s “Har Ghar Tiranga” Campaign

The 79th Independence Day was met with a storm of controversy in Tripura as the Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) launched a scathing attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While the nation celebrated its freedom, the TPCC used the solemn occasion to deliver a strong message, accusing the BJP of a grave betrayal of public sentiment by politicizing the national flag. At a ceremony held at the party’s headquarters in Agartala, TPCC President Asish Kumar Saha led the charge, arguing that the BJP’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign had cheapened the symbol of national unity by turning it into a political tool. The party’s Tripura Congress criticism was not merely a political tactic but a profound indictment of what they see as the erosion of constitutional values under the current administration.

The event, which saw the national flag being hoisted by senior party leaders and members, served as a platform for Saha to express his party’s deep disapproval of the BJP’s actions. He articulated that the national flag is not a commodity to be sold or a brand to be used for political marketing. This sentiment was echoed by other party members, who gathered to commemorate the day and simultaneously raise their concerns about the direction the state and the nation were headed. The Tripura Congress criticism focused heavily on the disrespect shown to the tricolor, a symbol that represents the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters.

The party’s condemnation was based on several key points:

• Politicization of the National Flag: According to the TPCC, the BJP’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign was not a genuine display of patriotism but a calculated political move to gain mileage. They argued that the ruling party was attempting to monopolize the idea of nationalism, suggesting that only those who participate in their campaign were true patriots. This a central point of the Tripura Congress criticism.
• The Desecration of the National Flag: Saha provided a painful account of national flags being discarded on roadsides, in drains, and in dustbins following the campaign’s push. He labeled this as an “extremely shameful” act and a direct “betrayal of public sentiment.” The party believes that this neglect demonstrated a lack of true reverence for the flag and the ideals it represents, a sentiment that fueled the Tripura Congress criticism.
• Erosion of Constitutional Principles: Beyond the flag controversy, Saha accused the BJP-led government of systematically weakening the constitutional principles of social justice, equality, and democracy. The TPCC president charged the government with engaging in divisive politics and favoring what he called “crony businessmen,” while misusing central agencies and curbing free speech. These broader concerns further contextualized the party’s stand and the basis for their Tripura Congress criticism.
• Announcing a Public Outreach Campaign: In response to these perceived failures and constitutional violations, the TPCC announced a statewide public outreach campaign. The goal of this initiative is to inform citizens about the government’s alleged shortcomings and to re-establish the core principles of democracy and unity. The party hopes to connect with the populace and build momentum against the current administration, making this a proactive part of the Tripura Congress criticism.
• Honoring the Ideals of Freedom Fighters: Saha concluded his address by emphasizing that Independence Day is not just a day for celebration but a time to honor the freedom fighters and renew a commitment to their ideals. This concluding message served as a powerful reminder that the fight for freedom is ongoing and that citizens must remain vigilant against any attempts to undermine the nation’s democratic values. It positioned the Tripura Congress criticism as a continuation of this historical struggle.

In a political landscape often defined by polarized debates, the TPCC’s stance offers a different perspective on the meaning of nationalism and patriotism. While the BJP promotes a brand of nationalism centered around symbolic campaigns, the Congress party has chosen to define patriotism through a commitment to constitutional values and social justice. The political friction in Tripura over the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign is a microcosm of a larger national debate about the true meaning of patriotism in modern India.

The Tripura Congress criticism is an act of political defiance and a call to action. It forces a conversation about the difference between symbolic patriotism and substantive governance. Whether the public outreach campaign will gain traction and sway public opinion remains to be seen, but the TPCC has certainly made its position clear on the 79th Independence Day. The day was not just a celebration for the party; it was an opportunity to highlight what they see as a dangerous trend in national politics and to reaffirm their commitment to the foundational principles of the Indian Constitution.