'Should we forget our culture because...' Rajnath Singh on controversy around G20 logo

Jhajjar (Haryana), November 13: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh responded to the alleged controversy surrounding the G20 summit logo on Sunday, asking if they should forget the culture because it resembles their party sign.

"They are debating around the logo of the G20 Summit and are alleging that the Prime Minister has embossed the symbol of his party on it. Have they forgotten about freedom fighters who in 1857 had a roti (chapati) in their one hand and a lotus in another?" Defence Minister said.

"Despite the fact that the Lotus is our National Flower, should we forget our culture just because it is our party's logo as well," Rajnath Singh further said.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used video conferencing to unveil the G20 logo for India's presidency.

According to an official government statement, it was inspired by the vibrant colours of the Indian national flag. It juxtaposes planet Earth with the lotus, India's national flower that reflects growth amid challenges.

However, since its launch, the G20 logo has been receiving constant backlash, including the Lotus embedded in it.

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Veteran Congress leader and spokesperson Jairam Ramesh lashed out at the central government for using the lotus symbol for India's G20 presidency, which also happens to be the BJP's party symbol, saying that the Prime Minister and the BJP would not miss any opportunity to "promote themselves shamefully."

"Over 70 years ago, Nehru rejected the proposal to make Congress flag the flag of India. Now, BJP's election symbol has become the official logo for India's presidency of G20!" Ramesh tweeted on Wednesday.

"While shocking, we know by now that Mr Modi and BJP won't lose any opportunity to promote themselves shamelessly!" the tweet added.

Reacting to the aforesaid on the same day, the BJP lambasted Congress saying the party has been insulting Indian culture and Hinduism by disrespecting "lotus".

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