Nagpur: A controversy has erupted over the depiction of Bharat Mata standing on the Ashoka Chakra, India’s national emblem, on the front page of Dainik Bhaskar’s main edition. Former councilor Janardan Moon has raised strong objections to the imagery, claiming it disrespects the national symbol.
The image in question features a fictional representation of Bharat Mata, shown standing on the Ashoka Chakra, which Moon argues diminishes the importance of the national emblem and the Indian flag. He criticized the editors for what he sees as an attempt to undermine the significance of these national symbols.
Moon expressed that this portrayal has insulted the Ashoka Chakra and disrespected millions of citizens who hold it in high regard. He also accused the newspaper of deliberately hurting the sentiments of Indian citizens and stoking communal tensions with the potential to incite violence and damage national property.
On August 16, 2024, Moon sent a letter to Dainik Bhaskar’s Chief Editor, demanding a written explanation within three days. The letter was received by the newspaper on August 17, 2024, but no response or public clarification has been provided to date. Moon claims this is a blatant violation of the regulations governing the newspaper’s license and registration.
Furthermore, Moon has lodged a complaint with the Civil Rights Protection Forum, urging an investigation and legal action against Dainik Bhaskar’s owners, chief editor, publisher, distributor, and printer. He insists that the distribution of millions of copies of the August 15, 2024 edition with this controversial image is a serious offense deserving of appropriate legal consequences.
