Vishwa Hindu Parishad – Telangana (VHP-TS) is asking the Election Commission of India, Telangana State Chief Electoral Officer, and State Director General of Police to stop the removal of saffron flags from Hindu homes in the name of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
According to VHP-TS joint secretary Dr. R Shashidhar, police and municipal staff in twin cities and across the state are forcing Hindus to take down saffron flags from their homes. These flags were put up to celebrate the consecration of the Sri Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Dr. Shashidhar believes that the removal of saffron flags is a violation of Hindu cultural heritage and beliefs. He accuses the ruling Congress and BRS parties of competing to show their secular credentials by criticizing Hindutva and saffron symbols.
Despite claims from police and municipal officials that they were following orders from the Election Commission, VHP has confirmed with EC officials that no such orders were given. VHP sees the removal of saffron flags as a violation of fundamental rights and compares it to past oppressive actions like the Razakar code and Emergency days.
VHP is calling on the TSCEO of the Election Commission to step in and for the State DGP to ensure that police do not follow any political agendas but instead uphold the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and maintain the image of the Telangana police.
