PM Modi’s Independence Day outfit draws attention; pocket square sparks controversy

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s outfit and turban once again drew attention at this year’s 80th Independence Day celebrations. Modi arrived at the Red Fort to hoist the national flag wearing a traditional red Rajasthani Bandhani turban.

He wore an off-white kurta-pyjama with a brown Nehru jacket. His jacket also featured a pocket square in the colours of the Tricolour. This year’s outfit highlighted India’s cultural diversity and traditional craftsmanship.

Modi attended the ceremony after paying floral tributes at Raj Ghat. The national song ‘Vande Mataram’ was performed at the Red Fort for the first time in history. Modi then hoisted the national flag with a 21-gun salute. Two Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters flew over the Red Fort, showering petals while carrying the national flag and a flag featuring ‘Vande Mataram’.

‘Is it Ireland’s flag?’ Congress leader questions pocket square

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pocket square at the Independence Day celebrations has sparked a controversy. Congress leader Pawan Khera questioned whether the colours of the pocket square resembled the Irish flag.

Khera also remarked that Modi was wearing the Tricolour in reverse. The Indian national flag has saffron at the top, white in the middle and green at the bottom. However, the colours on Modi’s pocket square appeared in the order of green, white and saffron.