‘False Flag’ Alarm Over PM Narendra Modi’s Autograph

Government of India on Friday issued a clarification on the ongoing controversy over Prime Minister Narendra Modi signing the national flag, saying that the reports about latter disrespecting the tricolour is false as it is a memento not a tricolour that will be presented to President Barack Obama. Khanna had prepared the menu for Modi’s dinner with Fortune 500 CEOs.

The story broke after Khanna displayed the autographed flag to the media.

The Indian Flag Code, 2002, Part II, Section 3, Explanation 4- point (f) clearly states that putting any kind of inscription upon the Indian National Flag is construed as a disrespect to the honour of the flag. Press Information Bureau, said the piece of cloth was a work of handicraft prepared by the physically-challenged daughter of the chef, and the Prime Minister had autographed it on compassionate basis after Khanna and his family made a request.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi put his autograph on what appeared to be an Indian flag evoking sharp criticism from the Congress but the government clarified that it was only a memento. We respect the office of the prime minister…

Maybe it’s time to relax a bit, like one Twitterati mentions it, in some countries their national flag is even printed on footwear. The party’s chief spokesman Randeep Surjewala said, “However high you may be, the national flag is above you, you should understand this”. Noronha said that is why the PM had to oblige, when he was asked to sign it.

However, the Congress spokesperson said that it is for the Prime Minister to look within and take corrective action as respect for the National Flag is the responsibility of 125 crore people, more so that of the Prime Minister. Noronha said that what Modi signed wasn’t our Tricolour since it did not have the Ashoka Chakra and the White Band.

Swarup said that the child’s drawing was being erroneously portrayed as the national flag. “Unnecessary controversy is being created deliberately”, he said. Numerous dishes were from his coffee table book on festival cuisine in India.