Team News Riveting
Thiruvananthapuram, January 26
A Minister in the Left-led Kerala government unfurled the National Flag upside down in Kasaragod district during the Republic Day celebrations today.
The incident took place when minister Ahammad Devarkovil, who holds the Port and Archaeology portfolios in the Left Government, unfurled the flag at the Municipal Stadium in Kerala’s Kasaragod this morning. Devarkovil, a nominee of the Indian National League (INL) that is an ally of the CPI(M)-led LDF, was the chief guest of the Republic Day celebrations at the district headquarters.
Interestingly, no one, including the minister, peoples’ representatives, police officials and other dignitaries present on the occasion noticed the gaffe. He blamed the officials for the lapse.
After the flag was unfurled, the minister even saluted it while it was upside down and then proceeded with his speech when media personnel present on the spot pointed out the mistake. While looking up, the minister probably did not realize which is the correct position of national flag.
Then the minister came back; the flag was lowered and raised correctly.
Meanwhile, BJP state chief K Surendran demanded the resignation of Devarkovil and lodging police case against him and the officials concerned who showed disrespect to the national flag.
“It is a matter of serious concern that the minister also saluted the Tricolour (flag) after it was hoisted upside down. It is ridiculous that despite such a grave mistake, neither the minister nor the officials realised the error,” he said in a statement.
He also wanted the state DGP to order a probe into the incident.
