Union Minister Subhas Sarkar said that the West Bengal administration "forbade" him from hoisting the national flag at a correctional institution in Paschim Medinipur district as part of the Centre's 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' campaign, news agency PTI reported.
He said that despite informing state government authorities about his visit to the Midnapore Central Correctional Home, no arrangements were made to hoist the tricolour there.
While speaking with reporters outside the jail compound on Saturday, the Union Minister stated, “When I stepped into the premises, I found no arrangements were made to hoist the national flag. It shows the West Bengal government’s apathy and indifference towards the sacrifice of our heroes."
The TMC dismissed the accusation as "ridiculous."
Sarkar, the Union Minister of State for Education, stated that he would not hold the correctional home officials responsible because they followed state government directions and there was obviously no communication regarding the August 13 programme.
“Despite all official communication, including my telephonic talk with the chief secretary, I was not given permission to celebrate the event and pay my tributes to the martyrs of West Bengal at the Midnapore Central Jail,” he posted on Facebook.
The 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' is being held to commemorate the 75th anniversary of India's independence.
Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, Rajya Sabha MP of the TMC, said that Sarkar instigated the dispute in order to cast the state administration in a negative light since efforts are being made to hoist the tricolour throughout the state.
“We should not learn about patriotism or how to show respect to the country’s freedom fighters from the BJP,” he added.
(With Inputs From PTI)