The perpetually protocol-challenged Prime Minister Modi faces a police complaint and social media storm for allegedly insulting the Indian national flag. A complaint has been filed against Modi in Puducherry for wiping his face with the Indian Flag on Sunday at Janpath, New Delhi, when he took part in the Yoga session. The allegedly offensive act, which was caught on camera, is snowballing into a social media storm.

On the Yoga Day, Modi came dressed in a simple kurta and pyjama sporting a stole around his neck, which interestingly was designed in Indian Tri-colours – white, saffron and green. As he took part in the 35-minute long Yoga session, Modi visibly grew tired and used the stole to wipe off the sweat from his face.

Dalit Activist Lodges Complaint Against Modi:

Police said Dalit Sena state general secretary Sundar lodged a complaint with the Oreleanpet police stating that he received photographs in his WhatsApp account showing Modi insulting the national flag by hanging the tricolour on his neck and using it to wipe his sweat while performing yoga in New Delhi.

Asked what prompted the complaint, Sundar, general secretary of Dalit Sena and administrator of WhatsApp group Puducherry Poraligal Kuzhu, said he received a message on Monday showing “Prime Minister wiping his face with the national flag” during the Yoga Day celebrations in New Delhi.

He charged that Modi had insulted the tricolor. He sought the police to register a case against him and initiate appropriate action. The police received the complaint and issued him an acknowledgement.

When contacted, Senior Superintendent of Police (Law and Order) V J Chandran, told Express that he would enquire and confirm the veracity of the complaint.

Wearing patriotism around the neck: Is Modi’s tricolour scarf justified because he is the PM?

In a record-breaking attempt, an estimated 37,000 people took part in a yoga session at Rajpath on the morning of June 21 to mark the International Yoga Day. Our Prime Minister Modi was dressed in all-white attire and wore a tricolour scarf.

Bang! The moment went viral on Whats App, Facebook and Twitter. Here was a PM, insulting the nation, first by using the flag as an accessory and then by wiping his face with it. The Indian law bans using portions of Indian flag in any costume or accessory, which is worn above the waist. You cannot use it for undergarments or in a lungi. Anything above the waist is legal and allowed.

If Modi’s wearing the Tricolour is justified because he is the Prime Minister and not just another celebrity ‘misusing’ it, then what becomes greatly evident is the hypocritical mindsets of people. The fact that he is the leader is but an added responsibility for him to have kept in mind our legalities.