Ahead of the G-20 Summit which is scheduled to be held in Jammu and Kashmir from May 22-24, Former chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday hit out at the BJP government, claiming that they “hijacked” the event.
“G20 is an event for the country but BJP has hijacked it, they have even replaced the logo with Lotus, the logo should have been something related to the country, not a party…it is the SAARC that will establish the leadership of our country within this region…why not have a SAARC summit and address our problem…,” she said.The PDP chief had also alleged earlier that security forces were breaking into homes and violating the privacy of Kashmiri citizens ahead of a G20 meeting in Srinagar. She made this claim after Sehar Shabir Shah, daughter of jailed separatist leader Shabir Shah, alleged security forces conducted searches at her home.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, the G20 logo draws inspiration from the vibrant colours of India’s national flag – saffron, white and green, and blue. It juxtaposes planet Earth with the lotus, India’s national flower that reflects growth amid challenges.
The Congress attacked the BJP over the lotus being part of the G20 logo, saying that while it was shocking that the BJP’s election symbol was used, it knows by now that the PM and his party would not lose any opportunity to promote themselves.
The attack by the Opposition party came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the logo, theme and website for India’s upcoming presidency of the grouping.
Reacting to the unveiling of the logo, Congress’ General Secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, “Over 70 years ago, Nehru rejected the proposal to make Congress flag the flag of India. Now, BJP’s election symbol has become official logo for India’s presidency of G20!”
“While shocking, we know by now that Mr.Modi & BJP won’t lose any opportunity to promote themselves shamelessly!” Ramesh said on Twitter.
(With inputs from PTI)
