MODI SAYS COUNTRY IS SADDENED BY ‘INSULT’ TO NATIONAL FLAG ON R-DAY
Breaking his silence on the shocking events that took place at the Red Fort just after the Republic Day parade on January 26, when unruly elements brandishing swords and sticks had attacked policemen and hoisted a flag other than the national tricolour at the iconic venue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the “country was saddened by the insult to the tricolour on January 26 in Delhi”.
This was the only direct, but brief, reference to the tumultuous events of that day in his speech, that otherwise focused on India’s vaccine programme, the Padma honours for “unsung heroes”, innovation, self-reliance and development.
Breaking his silence on the shocking events that took place at the Red Fort just after the majestic Republic Day parade on January 26, when unruly elements brandishing swords and sticks had attacked policemen and hoisted a flag other than the national tricolour at the iconic venue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the “country was saddened by the insult to the tricolor on January 26 in Delhi”.
Delivering his monthly “Mann ki Baat” address, Modi said “we have to infuse the times to come with new hope and novelty”. This was the only direct, but brief, reference to the tumultuous events of that day in his speech, that otherwise focused on India’s vaccine programme, the Padma honours for “unsung heroes”, innovation, self-reliance and development.
It may be recalled that these shocking events had taken place in Delhi shortly after noon when some irate farmers, mostly from Punjab, Haryana and western UP, had taken out a “tractor rally” as part of their protests against the three farm laws. The government has always backed the rationale behind the farm laws but their implementation has already been stayed by the Supreme Court.
Modi said, “The country was saddened by the insult to the tricolour on Jan. 26 in Delhi. We have to infuse the times to come with new hope and novelty. Last year, we displayed exemplary patience and courage. This year too, we have to work hard to attain our resolves. We have to take our country forward at a faster pace.”
On India’s Covid vaccination drive, Modi said: “Our vaccination programme too is turning out to be exemplary to the world.”