BJPs Varun Gandhi says 'Shameful' to take money for Tiranga from hungry poor
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New Delhi: BJP MP Varun Gandhi on Wednesday said that people with ration cards are being pressured to purchase the national flag and said it would be terrible if the 75th-anniversary celebrations put a burden on the less fortunate.
It is "shameful," he wrote in a tweet, to take money from the hungry in order to pay for the "Tiranga" that lives in every Indian's heart.
The Pilibhit MP allegedly released a video of some ration card holders complaining about having to spend Rs 20 to purchase the flag, PTI reported.
"It will be unfortunate if the celebration of the 75th anniversary of Independence becomes a burden on the poor. Ration card holders are being forced to buy Tiranga or denied a share of grains they are entitled to," he said.
The central government has urged people to hoist or display the national flag at their homes during August 13-15 as part of the "Har Ghar Tiranga" programme.
The BJP has been running a campaign to make Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call a big success.
Varun Gandhi had been critical of the government over a host of issues.