New Delhi:
The use of the lotus, the BJP's
party symbol, in the logo for India's G20 presidency provoked sharp
criticism from the Congress, which accused the ruling party of
"shamelessly" promoting itself.
"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!"
Jairam Ramesh tweeted.
Shortly afterwards,
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla retorted in a post - "Will you
remove Kamal from the name of Kamal Nath?"
Mr Poonawalla tweeted:
"Lotus happens to be our National Flower! It also happens to be the
aasan of Maa Lakshmi - Are you opposed to our national flower? Will you
remove Kamal from name of Kamal Nath? Btw Rajiv also means Kamal ! Hope
you see no agenda there!!!"
"I
congratulate countrymen on the historic occasion of India's G20
presidency. 'Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam (the world is one family)' is the
signature of India's compassion for the world. The lotus portrays
India's cultural heritage and faith in bringing the world together," PM
Modi said.
"This G20 logo is not just a symbol, it is a message,
an emotion running through our veins. It is a resolve, which is now
being included in our thoughts," added the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister said India is set to assume G20 Presidency and it is a moment of pride for 130 crore Indians.
"India's
presidency comes at a time of crisis and chaos in the world... No
matter the circumstances, the lotus still blooms," PM Modi said as the
world is recovering from a deadly pandemic, is facing a war and economic
uncertainty.
The G20 summit will take place on November 15 and 16 in Bali and PM Modi will be among top leaders attending it.
G 20 Participants : Argentina,
Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia,
Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South
Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European
Union. Spain is also invited as a permanent guest.
G 20 AIM : The G20 or Group of Twenty is an intergovernmental forum
comprising 19 countries and the European Union. It works to address
major issues related to the global economy, such as international
financial stability, climate change mitigation, and sustainable
development.
G 20 Chairman : Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia.
Founded on : 26 September 1999