Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary SG Suryah slammed DMK scion and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin for displaying a flagrant disregard for protocol by placing the national flag on the right side of his polo shirt during the 76th Republic Day celebrations in Chennai on 26 January 2025.
On 26 January 2025, Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi hoisted the national flag in Chennai during the Republic Day celebrations, with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, state ministers, and other dignitaries present. As the Governor and Chief Minister stood in salute, the national anthem was sung, followed by an Air Force helicopter showering flower petals over the flag at the Labour Statue along the Kamarajar promenade.
A grand ceremonial march past showcased the Republic Day spirit, with the Governor taking the salute. In accordance with protocol, Chief Minister Stalin welcomed the Governor upon arrival, after which the CM introduced senior officials from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Tamil Nadu Police to the Governor. The Governor, Chief Minister, and other dignitaries also watched cultural performances by schoolchildren and youth. Wing Commander Sarthak Budhia of the Air Force served as the parade commander for the event.
However, during the celebrations, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin drew criticism for wearing a polo shirt with the national flag displayed on the right side, contrary to the correct protocol. The DMK logo was placed on the left side of his shirt, violating the Flag Code of India, which specifies that the national flag should be positioned at the top when displayed with another flag and to the left when displayed, in accordance with the direction of the flag. All other ministers, including Chief Minister Stalin, wore the flag correctly.
In this regard, the Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary SG Suryah condemned this act on his official X account, stating, “Tamil Nadu Deputy CM @UdhayStalin has once again shown disregard for protocol by wearing the Indian Flag 🇮🇳 on the right side instead of the left. Ironically, the DMK flag finds its place on the left, even on the Republic Day! A shameful insult to our Nation & Constitution. Is party loyalty above national respect? When will a nepotistic leader like him start respecting national protocols? Shame on you #UdhayanidhiStalin!”
தமிழக துணை முதல்வர் @UdhayStalin இந்திய தேசிய கொடியை 🇮🇳 சட்டையின் இடதுபுறத்தில் அணியாமல் வலது பக்கம் அணிந்து அவமதித்துள்ளார். பாரத திருநாட்டையும், அரசியலமைப்புச் சட்டத்தையும் அவமதிப்பதையே வாடிக்கையாக கொண்டு தி.மு.க-வினர் செயல்படுகின்றனர். வெட்கப்படுங்கள் #உதயநிதி !
Tamil Nadu… pic.twitter.com/oLbIgcFMF4
— Dr.SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) January 26, 2025
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