BJP launches ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign in Bengaluru, says ‘we need not learn patriotism from Congress’
Bengaluru: The Karnataka unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday launched a ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign in Bengaluru, organising a Tricolour march to commemorate the freedom struggle and promote patriotism among citizens.
The Tricolour march was organised from the government school premises near K.C. General Hospital as part of the campaign.
BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and several other party leaders participated in the march.
Speaking on the occasion, Vijayendra said the campaign was aimed at honouring freedom fighters and instilling a sense of patriotism among citizens.
“Today, as per the wishes of our proud Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have launched the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign across the state and the country,” Vijayendra said.
He said the campaign was intended to remind people of the sacrifices made during the freedom struggle and encourage every citizen to take pride in the nation.
“We do not need to learn patriotism from the Congress,” Vijayendra said, launching a sharp attack on the ruling party in Karnataka.
Vijayendra alleged that the government had protected those accused of raising “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had set an example for the country and called upon people from all communities to work together towards building a developed India by 2047.
“Hindus, Muslims and Christians should all come together like children of the same mother and cultivate a sense of patriotism to transform India into a developed nation by 2047,” he said.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka also hit out at the party, accusing it of having lost its connection with the Congress that led the freedom movement.
He claimed the Congress of the freedom struggle was different from the present-day Congress.
“Congress leaders criticise the BJP by saying that the party did not participate in the freedom struggle. But those making these allegations today were not part of the freedom struggle either. The Congress of those days was different from the Congress of today,” Ashoka said.
He recalled that Mahatma Gandhi had suggested the dissolution of the Congress after Independence, but said the organisation continued to exist.
Ashoka appealed to citizens to actively participate in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call.
“The Prime Minister has called upon citizens to participate actively and enthusiastically in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign. Let us all come together and make the campaign a success. The BJP has taken up the initiative of taking the Tricolour to every household,” he said.
Karnataka Legislative Council Opposition Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy speaking at a Tricolour march organised near the government school opposite K.C. General Hospital in Bengaluru as part of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, said the Congress was indulging in what he termed “dog culture”.
“The Congress says that not even the dogs in our homes fought for freedom. This is the dog culture of the Congress,” Narayanaswamy alleged.
Narayanaswamy accused the party of being controlled by a single family.
He claimed that a small group of people who were “psychopaths” and “tukde-gang” members were associated with the Congress and said they did not deserve to be called patriots.
Narayanaswamy said that even decades after India gained Independence, disruptive and terrorist forces allegedly continued their attempts to work against the country.
“The time has come to teach them a fitting lesson. We must respond in such a way that those who raise ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans realise the consequences,” he said.
He appealed to people to remain patriotic irrespective of what Congress leaders say.
“Let the Congress say whatever it wants. Patriotism should remain in our hearts,” he said.
Referring to the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, Narayanaswamy urged citizens to hoist the Tricolour at their homes.
“The Tricolour should reach every household. The saffron, white and green colours should remain in the heart of every Indian. The BJP is working towards this. Let us all follow Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call,” he said.
Narayanaswamy also questioned the Congress’s ‘Bharat Jodo’ campaign.
“The Congress conducted a Bharat Jodo Yatra. What does Bharat Jodo mean? Is its objective to bring Pakistan and Bangladesh together with India? Does the Congress have the strength to do that?” he asked.
“The Congress is trying to mislead the people. But it is the BJP that is truly working to unite India,” Narayanaswamy claimed.
BJP Karnataka co-in-charge Sudhakar Reddy also praised the Prime Minister, saying the abrogation of Article 370 had helped awaken a sense of patriotism among citizens.
Several BJP leaders, legislators and MLCs participated in the march, along with students, doctors, retired military personnel and prominent citizens from different sections of society.