The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) updated the profile images of its social media accounts from the customary saffron flag to the national tricolour on Friday, ahead of Independence Day, news agency PTI reported.


As the country marks the 75th anniversary of India's independence with the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,' Prime Minister Narendra Modi has advised people to use the 'tiranga' (tricolour) as the profile photo on their social media accounts between August 2 and 15.


The RSS, the ruling BJP's political wing, has been chastised by the Congress and other opposition parties for its stance on the national flag.


Taking to Twitter, Congress leader Pawan Khera stated: "After tremendous pressure for a week, a sheepish RSS org finally changes profile pictures to Tiranga."






In an obvious reference to the RSS, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh asked earlier this month if the organisation, which has not hoisted the national flag at its headquarters in Nagpur for the past 52 years, would follow the prime minister's directive to make the 'tiranga' the profile picture of social media accounts.


On Friday, RSS publicity department co-incharge Narender Thakur stated that the Sangh has been commemorating Independence Day by raising the national flag at all of its offices.


The Sangh updated its social media profile photo from their organisational banner to the national flag.


He went on to say that RSS workers were actively involved in the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign.


As part of its 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign, the federal government has invited citizens to hoist or display the national flag from their houses from August 13 to 15.


Sunil Ambekar, the head of the RSS's publicity department, had previously stated that such matters should not be politicised.


The RSS has already backed the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' and 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' programmes.


According to Ambekar, the Sangh had called in July for complete support and involvement of the people and swayamsevaks in the programmes to be organised by the government, commercial entities, and Sangh-related organisations.


(With Inputs From PTI)