Sonia Gandhi criticizes Centre's shift from khadi to polyester flags
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has criticized the central government for its widespread use of machine-made polyester flags. In an article published in The Hindu, she urged for the reinstatement of khadi as the exclusive fabric for the Indian flag. She described this fabric as a symbol of national pride and a testament to our country's rich history and economic vigor.
Gandhi questions PM Modi's 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign
Gandhi questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent push for the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign ahead of the Independence Day. She expressed concern over the increasing use of machine-made polyester flags, often made from materials imported from China and other countries. "His moral duplicity in paying deference to the national flag while pledging allegiance to an organization that has remained indifferent to it, is one matter," she wrote.
Gandhi highlights historical significance of khadi
Gandhi emphasized the historical significance of khadi, a fabric hand spun and woven by Mahatma Gandhi during the national movement. She stated that the Flag Code of India has traditionally mandated the national flag to be made from "hand spun and hand-woven wool/cotton/silk khadi bunting." The Congress leader further asserted that khadi is not just a symbol of our past but also an icon of Indian modernity and economic vitality.
Gandhi criticizes government's amendment to Flag Code
Gandhi criticized the government's decision in 2022, on the 75th anniversary of India's independence, to amend the Flag Code and include 'machine made...polyester ... bunting.' She also pointed out that polyester flags were exempted from Goods and Services Tax (GST), putting them on par with khadi flags. The Congress leader argued that this was a time when we should have reaffirmed our commitment to our country's national symbols, but instead chose mass-market, machine-made polyester fabric.
Gandhi highlights plight of national flag manufacturing unit
Gandhi highlighted the plight of the Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha (KKGSS) in Hubballi district, the only national flag manufacturing unit accredited by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). She revealed that this unit had to go on an indefinite strike to draw attention to what she termed as "state-sponsored murder" of India's khadi industry. This decision was made as India transitioned from a global hub for polyester manufacturing to a net importer of polyester yarn in 2023 and 2024.
Gandhi criticizes government's approach toward handloom sector
Gandhi criticized the government's approach toward the handloom sector, stating that it has consistently favored big corporate interests and oligopolization since 2014. She argued that this has led to the structural dismantling of our nation's micro, small and medium enterprises sector, which houses our handloom industries. "Demonetization, a punitive GST, and the unplanned COVID-19 lockdown saw thousands of our handloom workers quit their professions," she wrote.
