Congress Takes Social Media Dig at PM Modi's Tricolour Pocket Square on Independence Day

The Congress party on Thursday took to social media to mock Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attire during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, questioning the design of his tricolour pocket square.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Congress leader Supriya Shrinate's team, through the party's official handle, shared an image of PM Modi and wrote: "Lagta hai sahib ne Urdu mein Tiranga pehna hai. Ya phir Bharat India ki jagah Ireland ka Independence Day mana rahay hain." The comment, roughly translated, suggests that the Prime Minister appeared to be wearing the Tricolour in Urdu script, or celebrating Ireland's Independence Day instead of India's.

The pocket square in question, which PM Modi wore with his customary saffron, white, and green attire, featured stylised patterns that some social media users perceived as resembling Urdu calligraphy. The Congress's comparison to Ireland's flag stems from the horizontal orange, white, and green bands used in some interpretations, although the Indian Tricolour uses saffron, white, and green with a navy blue Ashoka Chakra.

The jibe came on a day PM Modi delivered his 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi. The address began at 7:30 AM, with the PM hoisting the national flag and receiving a guard of honour. In his speech, he spoke on various issues including national security, economic growth, and the push for 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by 2047.

The Congress's remark quickly drew reactions online, with supporters of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the opposition of trivialising a moment of national pride. Some users pointed out that the pocket square design was a matter of personal style and not a political statement. Others noted that the Congress itself had faced criticism in the past for its leaders' attire during important functions.

This is not the first time PM Modi's clothing choices have ignited political debate. His frequent use of Nehru jackets, modi jackets, and scarves with symbolic prints has often been interpreted as fostering a distinct personal brand. On Independence Day, the Prime Minister traditionally wears a white kurta with a tricolour motif, sometimes accompanied by a matching turban or bandhani scarf.

The controversy over the pocket square comes amid a charged political atmosphere, with the Congress leading an opposition alliance ahead of several state elections and the general elections scheduled for 2024. The party has been critical of the government's handling of various issues, and the social media post was perceived as an attempt to mock the PM's style on a significant national occasion.

Neither the Prime Minister's Office nor the BJP has issued an official response to the Congress's post as of Thursday afternoon. The Election Commission, which often monitors political speech, has yet to comment on whether the post violates any model code of conduct, as no elections are currently announced.

The Red Fort Independence Day ceremony has been held annually since 1947, with the Prime Minister delivering an address to the nation. PM Modi's streak of 13 consecutive addresses is among the longest in Indian history, matching the tenure of leaders who have served multiple terms. His speeches have often focused on policy initiatives, cultural pride, and global positioning for India.

As the day progressed, the Congress's post remained on its official handle, drawing thousands of likes and comments. Meanwhile, the focus of the nation remained on the traditional celebrations, with cultural performances and security arrangements in place across the capital.