Jaipur, May 15: A BJP legislator was seen wiping his face with the national flag during a Tiranga Yatra held in Jaipur on Thursday, drawing sharp criticism from the opposition Congress, which termed the act "disrespectful". The incident took place during the march taken out in honour of the Indian armed forces following the success of Operation Sindoor.

Balmukund Acharya, the MLA from Hawa Mahal assembly constituency, was seen using the tricolour to wipe his face as the rally passed through crowded markets and historic locations in the city. A video of the act surfaced on social media, prompting criticism from Congress leaders, who accused the BJP of politicising patriotism while showing "utter disregard" for national symbols. Balmukund Acharya Uses Tricolour As Handkerchief To Wipe Sweat During Tiranga Yatra in Jaipur, Congress Slams BJP MLA After Video Goes Viral.

BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya Caught on Camera Wiping Face With Tricolour 

However, after realising his mistake, the MLA almost immediately switched to a regular piece of cloth to clean his face. Nevertheless, the moment has already drawn attention. Reacting to the video, Congress leaders said on X, "Such behaviour during a rally meant to honour the Army and the national flag was 'insensitive' and 'disrespectful'." Balmukund Acharya Booked for Sloganeering, Pasting Offensive Poster Inside Jaipur’s Jama Masjid; BJP MLA Apologises After Video Goes Viral.

There was no immediate comment from the BJP on the matter. The Tiranga Yatra, which began from Albert Hall and concluded at Badi Chaupad, witnessed participation from Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Deputy CM Diya Kumari, BJP state president Madan Rathore and several senior party leaders.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)