A controversy has erupted in North Tripura after the national flag was allegedly found hanging upside down for several days at the office premises of a BJP-run Gram Panchayat, prompting criticism from local residents and demands for administrative action.
The incident was reported at Ichai Lalchhara Gram Panchayat under Kalachhara Block in North Tripura district. According to local residents, the Tricolour remained inverted at the Panchayat office for around two to three days before the matter drew wider attention.
The incident has sparked concern over the handling of the national flag, particularly as the country prepares to celebrate Independence Day and activities are being organised under the Centre’s Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. The campaign encourages citizens to hoist the national flag and promote awareness about its significance.
Residents alleged that despite the regular presence of the Panchayat Pradhan, secretary and other staff members at the office, the inverted flag remained unnoticed or was not corrected for days. The sight reportedly drew criticism from passersby and visitors to the Panchayat premises.
Several villagers termed the incident a serious lapse and said institutions had a responsibility to ensure that the national flag was displayed with due dignity and in accordance with prescribed norms.
“Safeguarding the dignity of the national flag is the duty of every citizen and institution. This is not mere carelessness but a question of accountability,” a local resident said.
The matter has also taken on a political dimension, with opposition voices reportedly targeting the ruling BJP over the incident and questioning how such a lapse could occur at a Panchayat administered by the party.
No formal response from the Panchayat authorities was immediately available regarding the circumstances that led to the flag being displayed upside down or whether any action had been initiated against those responsible.
Local residents have demanded that responsibility for the incident be fixed and appropriate administrative action taken. They have also called upon the authorities to ensure that similar incidents are not repeated.
The controversy has renewed focus on the need for public institutions and officials to strictly follow the Flag Code of India and ensure that the dignity and sanctity of the national flag are maintained at all times.
