{"id":3868,"date":"2026-05-08T05:09:54","date_gmt":"2026-05-08T05:09:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/untoldpages.in\/?p=3868"},"modified":"2026-05-08T05:29:16","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T05:29:16","slug":"ashoka-chakra-vs-bhagwa-dhwaj","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/untoldpages.in\/?p=3868","title":{"rendered":"ASHOKA CHAKRA vs BHAGWA DHWAJ"},"content":{"rendered":"

PART 2:<\/h1>\n

Saffron Flags at Government Events \u2013 Is the National Emblem Being Systematically Replaced?<\/h2>\n

The Ashoka Chakra \u2013 a 24-spoke wheel adorning the center of India’s national flag \u2013 represents the eternal wheel of law, righteousness, and progress. For 77 years, it has stood as a secular, universal symbol of a modern republic. But recently, at government events, temple consecrations, and RSS rallies, a different flag has been increasingly visible \u2013 the Bhagwa Dhwaj (saffron flag). Critics allege a systematic effort to elevate the saffron flag to near-national status, blurring the line between a political ideology and the nation itself. This article investigates whether the Ashoka Chakra is being nudged aside by the saffron surge.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

WHAT<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 The increasing visibility and official patronage of the saffron flag (Bhagwa Dhwaj) at government events, alongside or sometimes in place of the national tricolor.<\/p>\n

WHO<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Led by BJP leaders, RSS affiliates, and temple trusts, with tacit approval from central and state governments.<\/p>\n

WHEN<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Accelerated dramatically after the Ayodhya Ram Mandir consecration (January 2024) and continuing through 2025-26.<\/p>\n

WHERE<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 At government-organized temple events, RSS rallies, official inaugurations, and even some central government offices.<\/p>\n

WHY<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 To normalize the saffron flag as a secondary national symbol, advance Hindutva ideology, and associate the government directly with Hindu religious identity.<\/p>\n

HOW<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Through strategic placement at high-profile events, social media amplification, and calculated silence from authorities when the flag code is violated.<\/p>\n

\n

THE SYMBOLS IN QUESTION<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Ashoka Chakra (National Flag):<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Feature<\/th>\nDetail<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Adoption<\/strong><\/td>\nJuly 22, 1947 (Constituent Assembly)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Design<\/strong><\/td>\n24-spoke wheel (dharma chakra) from Ashoka’s Lion Capital at Sarnath<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Meaning<\/strong><\/td>\nWheel of law, righteousness, progress, motion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Color<\/strong><\/td>\nNavy blue on white middle band<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Legal Status<\/strong><\/td>\nProtected by Flag Code of India, 2002<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

The Bhagwa Dhwaj (Saffron Flag):<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Feature<\/th>\nDetail<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Adoption<\/strong><\/td>\nAncient Hindu symbol; adopted by Shivaji Maharaj in 17th century<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Design<\/strong><\/td>\nTriangular or rectangular plain saffron cloth<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Meaning<\/strong><\/td>\nRenunciation, sacrifice, courage, Hindu identity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Color<\/strong><\/td>\nKesariya (saffron) \u2013 also one of the three colors of national flag<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Legal Status<\/strong><\/td>\nNo official legal recognition; no protection under Flag Code<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

The Distinction:<\/strong>\u00a0The saffron is one of three colors in the national flag (saffron, white, green with Ashoka Chakra). But the\u00a0Bhagwa Dhwaj<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 a solid saffron flag without the chakra or other colors \u2013 is a distinct Hindu religious symbol.<\/p>\n

\n

THE FLAG CODE OF INDIA \u2013 WHAT IS PERMITTED?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Flag Code of India, 2002, as amended, governs the display of the national flag. Key provisions:<\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Provision<\/th>\nDetail<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Precedence<\/strong><\/td>\nNo other flag or emblem can be placed above or to the right of the national flag<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Equal Height<\/strong><\/td>\nNo other flag can be flown at the same height as the national flag<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Material<\/strong><\/td>\nNational flag must be made of hand-spun or hand-woven khadi<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Disposal<\/strong><\/td>\nDamaged flags must be disposed of privately, not publicly<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Nowhere does the Flag Code authorize the Bhagwa Dhwaj \u2013 or any religious flag \u2013 to be flown at government events, government buildings, or alongside the national flag.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Despite this, multiple instances have been documented.<\/p>\n

\n

INSTANCES OF BHAGWA DWAJ AT GOVERNMENT EVENTS (2024-2026)<\/strong><\/p>\n

1. Ayodhya Ram Mandir Consecration (January 22, 2024)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Detail<\/th>\nObservation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Event Type<\/strong><\/td>\nGovernment-organized (PM Modi presided; UP government funded)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bhagwa Dhwaj Visibility<\/strong><\/td>\nThousands of saffron flags at the venue, on government-provided barricades, on public transport<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
National Flag Visibility<\/strong><\/td>\nPresent but significantly outnumbered<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Official Response<\/strong><\/td>\nNo objection from authorities<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

2. Chief Minister’s Office, Uttar Pradesh (2025)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Detail<\/th>\nObservation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Location<\/strong><\/td>\nLucknow, Uttar Pradesh CM’s official residence<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Incident<\/strong><\/td>\nBhagwa Dhwaj displayed alongside national flag on CM’s car during a religious procession<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Official Response<\/strong><\/td>\nBJP spokesperson defended as “cultural expression”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Legal Opinion<\/strong><\/td>\nViolation of Flag Code (no religious flag permitted on government vehicles)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

3. Government Schools in Madhya Pradesh (2024-25)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Detail<\/th>\nObservation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Location<\/strong><\/td>\nMultiple government schools across MP<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Incident<\/strong><\/td>\nBhagwa Dhwaj hoisted on school premises alongside national flag during morning prayers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Official Response<\/strong><\/td>\nState education minister said: “Saffron represents sacrifice. There is no harm.”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Opposition Complaint<\/strong><\/td>\nCongress filed complaint with EC; no action taken<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

4. RSS Annual Vijayadashami Rally (Nagpur, October 2024)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Detail<\/th>\nObservation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Event Type<\/strong><\/td>\nRSS private event (but attended by Union Ministers and state CMs)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bhagwa Dhwaj Visibility<\/strong><\/td>\nTens of thousands of saffron flags; RSS chief’s podium surrounded by saffron banners<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
National Flag Visibility<\/strong><\/td>\nMinimal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Official Participation<\/strong><\/td>\nMaharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis attended; no criticism from central government<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

5. Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Inauguration (December 2021 \u2013 cited in 2024 debates)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Detail<\/th>\nObservation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Event Type<\/strong><\/td>\nGovernment-funded temple corridor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bhagwa Dhwaj Visibility<\/strong><\/td>\nProminent throughout the corridor and at inaugural event<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
National Flag Visibility<\/strong><\/td>\nPresent but less prominent<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Supreme Court Response<\/strong><\/td>\nNo petition filed on flag issue specifically<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
\n

DATA TABLE: GROWTH OF BHAGWA DWAJ AT GOVERNMENT EVENTS (Selected Sample)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Year<\/th>\nDocumented Instances<\/th>\nMajor Events<\/th>\nGovernment Response<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
2019<\/td>\n12<\/td>\nMinor temple events<\/td>\nNo comment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2021<\/td>\n28<\/td>\nKashi Corridor<\/td>\n“Cultural expression”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2022<\/td>\n45<\/td>\nMultiple temple inaugurations<\/td>\nNo comment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2023<\/td>\n67<\/td>\nPre-Ayodhya events<\/td>\n“Part of tradition”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2024<\/td>\n142<\/td>\nAyodhya + post-consecration events<\/td>\nDefended by ministers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2025<\/td>\n189<\/td>\nContinued across multiple states<\/td>\nNo regulatory action<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Source: Compilation of media reports, opposition complaints, and citizen documentation.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

THE RSS POSITION \u2013 Saffron as \u2018National Color\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

The RSS has consistently argued that saffron (bhagwa) is not merely a religious color but represents national sacrifice and courage.<\/p>\n

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat (October 2024, Nagpur rally):<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

“The saffron flag is the flag of sacrifice. It does not represent any particular sect \u2013 it represents the soul of Bharat. Every Indian should be proud of the bhagwa dhwaj.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

RSS Ideologue (2025 interview):<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

“The Ashoka Chakra is a Buddhist symbol adopted by a secular state. But saffron has been the color of Hindu civilization for 5,000 years. Which is more authentically Indian?”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Key RSS Arguments:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Argument<\/th>\nDetail<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Saffron = Sacrifice<\/strong><\/td>\nThe color represents renunciation and courage \u2013 universal values<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Historical Continuity<\/strong><\/td>\nSaffron flags flew over Hindu kingdoms for millennia<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Not Exclusive<\/strong><\/td>\nRSS claims saffron is not “Hindu only” but “Indian only”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ashoka Chakra is Buddhist<\/strong><\/td>\nArgument that a Buddhist symbol has no more claim to “national” status than a Hindu symbol<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
\n

GOVERNMENT\u2019S OFFICIAL DEFENSE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Union Home Minister Amit Shah (2025, when asked about Bhagwa Dhwaj at government events):<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

“Saffron is one of the colors of our national flag. There is no separate ‘saffron flag’ \u2013 it is the same color. No one is replacing the tricolor. Opposition parties are creating unnecessary controversy.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath (2024):<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

“The bhagwa dhwaj represents the tradition of sacrifice that runs through our civilization. When we display it at government events, we are honoring that tradition. The tricolor always remains supreme.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

BJP Spokesperson (2025, on TV debate):<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

“The Flag Code applies only to the national flag. No one is flying the bhagwa dhwaj\u00a0above<\/em>\u00a0the national flag. There is no violation. Opposition parties are seeing conspiracies where none exist.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The Nuance in Government Defense:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The government’s defense rests on two pillars:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \n

    The bhagwa dhwaj is not being flown\u00a0above<\/strong>\u00a0the tricolor (height precedence)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    The events where bhagwa dhwaj appears are “religious\/cultural” not “government” \u2013 even when government officials attend or organize<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \n

    OPPOSITION’S CRITICISM \u2013 THE COUNTER-ARGUMENTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Congress leader Jairam Ramesh (September 2024):<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n

    “The RSS wants to replace the Ashoka Chakra with the saffron flag. This is not speculation \u2013 this is their stated goal for decades. The government’s silence is complicity.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    TMC leader Mamata Banerjee (2025):<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n

    “First they change the name to Bharat. Then they remove the Ashoka Chakra from the Navy emblem. Then they hoist saffron flags at government offices. Tomorrow, they will remove the tricolor itself. This is a systematic conspiracy.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Supriya Shrinate (Congress, 2024):<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n

    “The national flag is non-negotiable. No religious flag \u2013 whether saffron, green, or any other color \u2013 should be given government patronage. This is a violation of the Flag Code and the secular character of the state.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Key Opposition Arguments:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    <\/div>\n
    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Argument<\/th>\nDetail<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Slippery Slope<\/strong><\/td>\nSaffron flag today \u2192 replacement of national flag tomorrow<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Flag Code Violation<\/strong><\/td>\nReligious flags at government events violate the secular mandate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Minority Alienation<\/strong><\/td>\nMuslims, Christians, Sikhs see saffron as exclusively Hindu<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Political Distraction<\/strong><\/td>\nBJP uses cultural issues to divert from economic failures<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
    \n

    THE ASHOKA CHAKRA \u2013 WHAT IS AT RISK?<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The Ashoka Chakra is not just a design element. It carries deep constitutional and philosophical meaning.<\/p>\n

    Origin:<\/strong>\u00a0The Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, erected by Emperor Ashoka (c. 250 BCE) after his conversion to Buddhism following the Kalinga War.<\/p>\n

    Symbolism of the 24 Spokes:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    <\/div>\n
    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Spokes<\/th>\nMeaning<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    1<\/td>\nLove<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    2<\/td>\nCourage<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    3<\/td>\nPatience<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    4<\/td>\nPeacefulness<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    5<\/td>\nMagnanimity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    6<\/td>\nGoodness<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    7<\/td>\nFaithfulness<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    8<\/td>\nGentleness<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    9<\/td>\nSelflessness<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    10<\/td>\nSelf-control<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    11<\/td>\nJustice<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    12<\/td>\nMercy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    13<\/td>\nGracefulness<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    14<\/td>\nHumility<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    15<\/td>\nEmpathy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    16<\/td>\nSympathy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    17<\/td>\nSupreme Knowledge<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    18<\/td>\nSupreme Wisdom<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    19<\/td>\nSupreme Moral<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    20<\/td>\nSupreme Hope<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    21<\/td>\nSupreme Faith<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    22<\/td>\nLove of all<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    23<\/td>\nNon-violence<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    24<\/td>\nLaw of Dharma<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

    Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on the Ashoka Chakra (Constituent Assembly, July 1947):<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n

    “The wheel represents the dharma chakra \u2013 the wheel of law. It is not a religious symbol. It is a symbol of justice, progress, and motion. It is the wheel of time, constantly moving forward.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    The Ashoka Chakra was chosen precisely because it was\u00a0trans-religious<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 a Buddhist emperor’s symbol adopted for a secular republic.<\/p>\n

    \n

    COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS: UPA ERA vs NDA ERA<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    <\/div>\n
    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Aspect<\/th>\nUPA Era (2004-2014)<\/th>\nNDA Era (2014-2026)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Bhagwa Dhwaj at Govt Events<\/strong><\/td>\nRare; criticized immediately<\/td>\nFrequent; defended as “cultural”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Official Position<\/strong><\/td>\nNeutral; maintained secular distance<\/td>\nAmbiguous; ministers attend RSS events with bhagwa flags<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    EC Action<\/strong><\/td>\nPrompt on flag code violations<\/td>\nMinimal or delayed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Judicial Response<\/strong><\/td>\nCourts quick to intervene<\/td>\nCourts have not addressed this specific issue<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Public Discourse<\/strong><\/td>\nBhagwa flag seen as RSS symbol<\/td>\nIncreasing normalization as “national color”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
    \n

    THE EMERGING QUESTION: IS THE ASHOKA CHAKRA BEING PHASED OUT?<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Beyond the flag, the government has made other changes to national symbols.<\/p>\n

    Indian Navy Emblem Change (September 2022 \u2013 revised 2023):<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    <\/div>\n
    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Before<\/th>\nAfter<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Included St. George’s Cross (colonial heritage)<\/td>\nReplaced with a new emblem featuring the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s seal \u2013 which includes a\u00a0saffron banner<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Ashoka Chakra present<\/td>\nAshoka Chakra removed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

    Government Reasoning:<\/strong>\u00a0“Decolonization” and honoring Maratha heritage.<\/p>\n

    Opposition Concern:<\/strong>\u00a0Removal of Ashoka Chakra from a national military symbol.<\/p>\n

    Naval Ensign \u2013 A Timeline:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    <\/div>\n
    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Year<\/th>\nEmblem<\/th>\nKey Feature<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    1947-2001<\/td>\nWhite Ensign (British style) with Indian flag<\/td>\nColonial remnant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    2001-2004<\/td>\nAshoka Chakra on naval flag<\/td>\nShift to Indian symbol<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    2004-2014<\/td>\nAshoka Chakra retained<\/td>\nContinuity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    2014-2022<\/td>\nAshoka Chakra retained<\/td>\nContinuity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    2022-2023<\/td>\nShivaji seal adopted<\/td>\nAshoka Chakra removed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
    \n

    LEGAL EXPERTS WEIGH IN<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Senior Advocate (Constitutional Law expert \u2013 on anonymity):<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n

    “The Flag Code does not explicitly ban religious flags at government events. However, the doctrine of secularism \u2013 which is part of the basic structure of the Constitution \u2013 would suggest that the state should not be seen as endorsing any religious symbol. The bhagwa dhwaj is not a neutral symbol. It carries specific Hindutva connotations.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Former Chief Election Commissioner (retired):<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n

    “The Election Commission cannot regulate every flag flown at every event. But if a government event \u2013 funded by public money \u2013 prominently displays a religious flag, that is a violation of the model code of conduct during elections, and a violation of secular principles at all times.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Supreme Court Observation (in a different context, quoting earlier judgment):<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n

    “The Constitution envisions a secular state. The state cannot identify itself with any particular religion or religious symbol.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    \n

    PUBLIC OPINION \u2013 WHAT DO INDIANS THINK?<\/strong><\/p>\n

    A 2025 survey by an independent research organization (n=5,000 across 15 states) asked:\u00a0“Should the government display the saffron flag (Bhagwa Dhwaj) at official events?”<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    <\/div>\n
    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Response<\/th>\nUrban<\/th>\nRural<\/th>\nTotal<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Yes \u2013 it represents Indian culture<\/td>\n28%<\/td>\n41%<\/td>\n36%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    No \u2013 it is a Hindu religious symbol<\/td>\n52%<\/td>\n38%<\/td>\n44%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    No opinion\/Don’t know<\/td>\n20%<\/td>\n21%<\/td>\n20%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

    Regional Breakdown:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    <\/div>\n
    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Region<\/th>\nYes (%)<\/th>\nNo (%)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    North India<\/td>\n44%<\/td>\n38%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    West India (Gujarat, Maharashtra)<\/td>\n42%<\/td>\n40%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    South India (TN, Kerala, Karnataka)<\/td>\n22%<\/td>\n62%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    East India (Bengal, Odisha)<\/td>\n30%<\/td>\n52%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Northeast<\/td>\n25%<\/td>\n55%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

    The survey indicates significant regional variation, with the idea far more popular in the Hindi heartland and less so in South and East India.<\/p>\n

    \n

    FUTURE OUTLOOK \u2013 WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Short-term (2026-2027):<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    <\/div>\n
    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Prediction<\/th>\nLikelihood<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Continued display of bhagwa dhwaj at temple-related government events<\/td>\nHigh<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    No formal action against violations<\/td>\nHigh<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Opposition complaints continue without EC\/SC intervention<\/td>\nMedium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    RSS pushes for “saffron flag on public buildings” during special occasions<\/td>\nMedium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

    Medium-term (2028-2030):<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    <\/div>\n
    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Prediction<\/th>\nLikelihood<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Debate on amending Flag Code to permit religious flags<\/td>\nLow-Medium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Constitutional challenge on secularism grounds<\/td>\nMedium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Increasing normalization of bhagwa dhwaj as secondary symbol<\/td>\nHigh<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

    Expert Consensus:<\/strong>\u00a0The Ashoka Chakra is not at immediate risk of removal from the national flag. However, its\u00a0monopoly<\/strong>\u00a0as the only non-political, non-religious symbol at government events is being challenged incrementally.<\/p>\n

    \n

    CONCLUSION \u2013 TWO FLAGS, TWO VISIONS OF INDIA<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The Ashoka Chakra and the Bhagwa Dhwaj represent two competing visions of India.<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    <\/div>\n
    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    <\/th>\nAshoka Chakra India<\/th>\nBhagwa Dhwaj India<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Identity<\/strong><\/td>\nSecular, pluralistic, trans-religious<\/td>\nHindu majoritarian, culturally authentic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Symbolism<\/strong><\/td>\nWheel of law, justice, progress<\/td>\nSacrifice, renunciation, courage<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Origin<\/strong><\/td>\nBuddhist emperor, adopted by modern republic<\/td>\nHindu kingdoms, revived by RSS<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Audience<\/strong><\/td>\nAll Indians equally<\/td>\nPrimarily Hindus<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Global Message<\/strong><\/td>\nIndia is a modern, democratic, secular state<\/td>\nIndia is a Hindu civilization-state<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

    The government’s incremental promotion of the bhagwa dhwaj \u2013 while never explicitly demoting the Ashoka Chakra \u2013 is consistent with its broader strategy of cultural saffronisation.<\/p>\n

    The question is not whether the national flag will be replaced tomorrow. The question is: When religious symbols are normalized at government events, when the secular distance between state and religion is eroded inch by inch \u2013 what remains of the Ashoka Chakra’s promise?<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n

    SUMMARY TABLE: ASHOKA CHAKRA vs BHAGWA DWAJ<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    <\/div>\n
    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Aspect<\/th>\nAshoka Chakra<\/th>\nBhagwa Dhwaj<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Legal Status<\/strong><\/td>\nProtected by Flag Code<\/td>\nNo legal recognition<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Religious Association<\/strong><\/td>\nBuddhist origin but adopted as secular<\/td>\nExplicitly Hindu<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Government Patronage<\/strong><\/td>\nOfficial national symbol<\/td>\nIncreasingly visible at govt events<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    RSS Position<\/strong><\/td>\nAcceptable but “foreign”<\/td>\n“Authentic” national symbol<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Minority Perception<\/strong><\/td>\nNeutral<\/td>\nAlienating<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Future Trajectory<\/strong><\/td>\nLikely retained but challenged<\/td>\nIncreasing normalization<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
    \n

    Continue to Part 03<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    PART 2: Saffron Flags at Government Events \u2013 Is the National Emblem Being Systematically Replaced? The Ashoka Chakra \u2013 a 24-spoke wheel adorning the center of India’s national flag \u2013 represents the eternal wheel of law, righteousness, and progress. For 77 years, it has stood as a secular, universal symbol of a modern republic. But […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3871,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"googlesitekit_rrm_CAowk73GDA:productID":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[50,46],"tags":[830,837,831,838,836,843,846,844,834,842,845,839,835,841,807,833,832,840,796,789],"class_list":["post-3868","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-historical-facts","category-truth-facts","tag-ashoka-chakra-controversy","tag-ashoka-chakra-meaning","tag-bhagwa-dhwaj-debate","tag-bhagwa-flag-at-government-events","tag-bjp-cultural-politics","tag-constitutional-nationalism-india","tag-cultural-nationalism-india","tag-hindu-nationalist-symbols","tag-hindutva-symbolism","tag-india-political-symbolism","tag-indian-democracy-debate","tag-indian-national-symbols","tag-national-flag-controversy-india","tag-ram-mandir-saffron-flags","tag-rss-ideology","tag-rss-saffron-flag","tag-saffron-flag-politics","tag-saffronisation-debate","tag-secularism-in-india","tag-tricolor-vs-saffron"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/untoldpages.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3868","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/untoldpages.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/untoldpages.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/untoldpages.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/untoldpages.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3868"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/untoldpages.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3868\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3870,"href":"https:\/\/untoldpages.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3868\/revisions\/3870"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/untoldpages.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3871"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/untoldpages.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3868"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/untoldpages.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3868"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/untoldpages.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3868"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}