RSS Changes Display Pictures to Tricolour Amid Criticism From Political Parties

The Hindu Nationalist organisation finally changed its social media display picture to tricolour amid criticism.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's Twitter account.

(Photo: Twitter screenshot)

Ahead of Independence Day, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday, 12 August, changed profile pictures of its social media accounts to the national tricolour from its traditional saffron flag.

As the country is celebrating the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' to mark 75 years of India's independence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had urged people to put the 'tiranga' (tricolour) as the profile picture of their social media accounts between 2 and 15 August.

The RSS, the ideological fountainhead of the ruling BJP, has been criticised by the Congress and other Opposition parties over its stand on the national flag.

In an obvious reference to the RSS, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh asked earlier this month if the organisation that did not hoist the national flag at its headquarters in Nagpur for 52 years would comply with the prime minister's message to make the 'tiranga' the profile picture of social media accounts.

On Friday, RSS publicity department co-incharge Narender Thakur said the Sangh has been celebrating Independence Day at all its offices by hoisting the national flag. He further said RSS workers were actively participating in the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign.

The Central government has urged people to hoist or display the national flag from their homes during 13-15 August as part of the programme. Earlier, RSS publicity department head Sunil Ambekar had said such things should not be politicised.

The RSS has already extended its support to 'Har Ghar Tiranga' and 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' programmes. The Sangh had in July appealed for full support and participation of the people and swayamsevaks in the programmes to be organised by the government, private bodies and Sangh-related organisations, Ambekar had said.