Congress slams BJP for lotus in G20 logo

The BJP hit back over the criticism, saying the lotus was declared the national flower in 1950 by the then Congress government

Congress and BJP were on Wednesday locked in a war of words over choosing Lotus as part of G-20 logo with the Opposition party saying it was shocking to see the ruling party's election symbol as part of the international summit.

Congress' attack came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the logo, theme and website for India's upcoming presidency of the G-20 with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) saying the logo drew inspiration from the vibrant colours of the tricolour and it juxtaposes planet Earth with the lotus, reflecting growth amid challenges.

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The BJP shot back at the Congress saying the lotus was declared national flower by the Nehru government and why it always "denigrated and undermined" every national symbol.

Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh was the first to hit the Modi government on the logo. He tweeted, "Over 70 years ago, Nehru rejected the proposal to make Congress flag the flag of India. Now, BJP's election symbol has become the official logo for India's presidency of G20! While shocking, we know by now that Mr Modi and BJP won't lose any opportunity to promote themselves shamelessly!"

Union Minister Hardeep Puri hit back at Ramesh saying the lotus was declared the national flower in 1950 when a Congress government was in power and that Ramesh was born in 1954.

"God alone knows why the Congress party chooses to denigrate and undermine every national symbol even as it is desperately out to 'jodo' (unite) itself," Puri said, suggesting that the Congress leaders should carefully listen to Modi on why lotus is part of the G20 logo.

"It symbolises India's ancient heritage, faith and thought -- a symbol of hope in such tough times. Lord Buddha's message for freedom from war, Mahatma Gandhi's solutions in the face of violence," he said, sharing a video of Modi speaking while unveiling the logo.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the national flower also happens to be the seat of Goddess Lakshmi. "Are you opposed to our national flower?" Poonawalla said.

He also asked whether Ramesh would also "remove" 'kamal' (lotus) from the name of Congress leader Kamal Nath. "Between Rajiv also means Kamal! Hope you see no agenda there!!!" he said referring to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.