Fact Check: Centre Busts Viral Post Claiming Denial Of Ration For Not Buying National Flag

In a tweet, the PIB factcheck, said the ‘errant’ ration shop has been suspended for violating orders of government and misrepresenting facts

New Delhi: In response to the viral post on social media in which people claimed denial of ration for not buying the national flag, the Centre’s press wing Press Information Bureau (PIB) factcheck on Wedneaday dismissed the post as misleading and clarified that no such instruction has been passed by the Central government.

In a tweet, the PIB factcheck, said the ‘errant’ ration shop has been suspended for violating orders of government and misrepresenting facts.

The government's explanation came after a video which was widely circulated on social media showed some people claiming they are being forced to buy a national flag to get ration.

A man can be seen complaining in the video that he was asked to buy a national flag for Rs 20 on his visit to a ration store for picking up provisions. The viral video had evoked sharp reactions from the opposition Congress and BJP MP Varun Gandhi.

In a Facebook post in Hindi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi targeted the BJP-led government over the viral post and accused the government of selling "nationalism" and hurting the poor's self-respect. The former Congress chief, who shared the viral post, said tricolour is our pride and it resides in every Indian's heart.

“Nationalism can never be sold. It is shameful that while giving ration, poor are being asked to cough up Rs 20 for the tricolour. Along with the tricolour, the BJP government is also attacking the self-respect of the poor of our country,” Gandhi said.

Varun Gandhi also joined the chorus alleging that the ration card holders were being forced to buy the national flag as a condition to avail the ration and said it will be unfortunate if the celebrations for the 75th anniversary of Independence become a burden on the poor.

“It is shameful to force the poor to pay for the 'Tiranga' and deny them their food. 'Tiranga' lives in the heart of every Indian,” Varun Gandhi tweeted.

Under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a campaign “Har Ghar Tiranga” has been launched by the Government of India to encourage the citizens to hoist the National Flag of India in their homes to instill a feeling of patriotism in the hearts of people and reminisce the contribution of those who tirelessly worked for building the nation. 

The BJP-led Centre has urged people to hoist or display the national flag at their homes from August 13 to 15 as part of its 'Har Ghar Tiranga' programme.