Now, the more immediate question here is what is the protocol? According to Section VI of the Flag Code of India, which deals with the protocols for saluting the flag, During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag, or when the flag is passing in a parade or in a review, all persons present should face the Flag and stand at attention. Those present in uniform should render the appropriate salute. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Pranab Mukherjee, vice president Ansari, US President Barack Obama, defence minister Manohar Parrikar were not in uniform and were therefore not required to salute the flag. President Mukherjee, Modi and Parrikar actually made a mistake by saluting the flag, Ansari did the right thing. But who cares about protocol when you are performing the great duty of defending the nation? If Ansari didnt salute the flag, it has to be because he is following some subversive anti-national injunction in the Sharia. Of course home minister Rajnath Singh and external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj also didnt salute the flag, but then being non-Muslims, their patriotism is beyond question.
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 13:12:28 +0000