Har Ghar Tiranga a BJP move to 'utilise' symbols rooted in public consciousness for divisive agenda

By Ram Puniyani*

As we approached the Independence Day 2024, the NDA Government called for the third edition of "Har Ghar Tiranga" (Tricolor in every home). This initiative first launched in 2022 under the BJP government has drawn attention, especially considering that the RSS, the ideological parent of the BJP, historically opposed the Tricolor as the national flag until January 26, 2001.

On that day, three activists—Baba Mendhe, Ramesh Kalambe, and Dilip Chatwani—along with others, entered RSS premises in Reshimbagh and hoisted the national flag amidst patriotic slogans, resulting in their arrest. They were later acquitted, marking the end of a 51-year period during which the RSS did not display the Tricolor.

The Tricolor, particularly with the Charkha, had emerged as a powerful symbol during India's freedom struggle. In 1929, Jawaharlal Nehru, then President of the Indian National Congress, called upon the nation to observe January 26 as Independence Day by hoisting the Tricolor.

In contrast, K.B. Hedgewar, the founder of the RSS, issued a directive on January 21, 1930, advocating for the "Bhagva Jhanda" (Saffron Flag), instructing members to gather at their local shakhas for a salute to the saffron flag. Their rationale was that the saffron flag represented a Hindu nation deeply rooted in tradition, negating the need for a new flag.

Nonetheless, the Tricolor was embraced by most participants in the freedom movement, with the exceptions being the Muslim League (which favored the green flag) and the RSS (which supported the saffron flag). Similarly, Vinayak Savarkar of the Hindu Mahasabha also advocated for the saffron flag. M.S. Golwalkar, the second chief of the RSS, articulated the organization’s position regarding the flag, asserting that the saffron banner wholly represented Indian culture and embodied divinity. Over the years, the RSS's affiliated publications consistently produced editorials opposing the Tricolor, championing the saffron flag instead.

The primary flag committee, chaired by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, included prominent figures such as C. Rajagopalachari, Maulana Azad, K. M. Munshi, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. After thorough deliberation, they adopted the Tricolor, modifying it by replacing the Charkha with the Ashoka Chakra featuring 24 spokes. In the Constituent Assembly, Nehru framed the flag as a continuation of India’s rich historical and cultural legacy and a beacon of hope for the future. His poignant address recognized the immense sacrifices made by Indians to rid themselves of colonial oppression, connecting the flag to the values of peace and international harmony represented by Emperor Ashoka. Nehru emphasized:

"We envisioned a flag that would symbolize the spirit of the nation and our diverse traditions, which have evolved over thousands of years. This flag embodies not just an emblem but also the name of Asoka, a name of immense significance in both Indian and world history."

Golwalkar, in his writings, notably in Bunch of Thoughts, criticized the choice of the Tricolor as the national flag

Despite this historical context, the RSS and Sangh Parivar have continued to promote a Hindu nationalist agenda. Golwalkar, in his writings, notably in "Bunch of Thoughts," criticized the choice of the Tricolor as the national flag. He lamented:

“Our leaders have established a new flag. Why was this necessary? It reflects a drifting and imitative mindset... Once, we had a flag of our own, rich in history. Why this emptiness?”

Savarkar also rejected the Tricolor, calling for its boycott and declaring on September 22, 1941, that the ultimate representation of Hindudom lay in the Mahasabha flag, which featured the ancient symbols of the Hindu race.

In essence, the "Har Ghar Tiranga" initiative can be viewed as a strategic move by the BJP government. While adapting to changing times, it maintains its commitment to Hindu nationalism. The BJP employs a dual strategy regarding symbols: adopting those deeply rooted in the public consciousness while simultaneously promoting celebrations that drive a divisive narrative.

For example, the designation of August 14 as "Partition Horrors Remembrance Day" seeks to highlight the suffering of Hindus during partition, while remaining silent on the Muslim community’s experiences. Additionally, marking December 25 as "Good Governance Day" in honor of Atal Bihari Vajpayee represents a deliberate effort to overshadow Christmas celebrations.

Furthermore, the Tricolor has been utilized as a tool of intimidation, with groups of youths parading through Muslim-majority areas bearing the flag, or hoisting it on mosques during festivals such as Ram Navami.

The broader intent behind the "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign appeared to be more about optics than a sincere dedication to the values of sacrifice, peace, and unity in diversity that the flag symbolizes.

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*Political commentator

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