Morena (Madhya Pradesh): BJP MP from Madhya Pradesh’s Morena district, Shiv Mangal Tomar, sparked controversy after he hoisted the Tricolour during the 7-day-long national mourning period announced to condole the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
Madhya Pradesh Congress took to social media and shared the video of the BJP MP hoisting the national flag during a school event in Joura on Sunday.
The opposition slammed Tomar, saying either the BJP MP was not aware of the national mourning or he does not understand the stature of former Prime Minister late Dr. Manmohan Singh!
When asked about his action, Tomar responded by saying, ‘Rashtriya shok toh usi din tha’ (national mourning was a one-day affair).
As per Indian protocols, flag-hoisting is not permitted during a national mourning period, and the national flag should remain at half-mast. However, Tomar and the officials from the school remained unconcerned.
A video of the same has spread rapidly on social media and is garnering widespread attention. The official handle of the Madhya Pradesh Congress has tweeted the video demanding answers.
Watch the video here:
According to information, on Sunday afternoon, Minister of Parliament Shiv Mangal Tomar was called as a chief guest to the Gandhi Ashram in MP’s Joura. Here, a children’s festival event was organised. For the opening of the event, Tomar was called on stage, where he hoisted the Indian flag and recited the national anthem. According to Indian protocols, flag-hoisting is not permitted during a national mourning period.
When media representatives present at the event asked Tomar about his actions, he replied by saying, ‘Are rashtra soug toh usi din tha na,’ (national mourning was only for a day); continuing, he said, ‘Saat din ka soug thodi ghoshit hua hai,’ (seven-day mourning has not been announced). A video of the MP talking to the press has gone viral on social media.
Political backlash
After the video went viral, MP Congress’ picked up the video and posted it from its official handle. MP Congress, in the post, wrote, “Does Morena-Sheopur’s BJP MP Shivmangal Singh Tomar lack awareness of the national mourning, or does he fail to grasp the stature of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh?”.
