Did PM Narendra Modi Wear Tricolour Pocket Square in Wrong Sequence? Netizens Raise Question

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day attire sparked a debate on social media after netizens pointed out the colour sequence of the three pocket squares he wore during the celebrations at the Red Fort on Saturday, August 15.

Modi marked India's 80th Independence Day with his 13th consecutive address to the nation from the historic Red Fort. He wore a traditional red tie-and-dye turban with a white kurta and chocolate brown vest. He also sported three pocket squares in saffron, green and white, intended to represent the colours of the Indian Tricolour.

However, some social media users noted that the pocket squares did not appear in the official Tricolour's sequence of saffron, white and green. The arrangement instead appeared closer to green, white and saffron, prompting comparisons with the Irish flag. Independence Day 2026: PM Narendra Modi’s 75-Minute Speech Shortest in 4 Years.

Did PM Narendra Modi Wear Tricolour Pocket Square in Wrong Sequence?

What Did Congress Say About PM Modi's Pocket Squares?

Congress leader Pawan Khera took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the arrangement. Sharing a picture from the Independence Day celebrations on X, Khera wrote, 'Lagta hai sahib ne Urdu mein Tiranga pehna hai. Ya phir Bharat ki jagah Ireland ka Independence Day mana rahay hain.'

Khera's remark suggested that the sequence of the pocket squares resembled the Irish flag, which features green, white and orange. Independence Day 2026: PM Narendra Modi Breaks Protocol To Meet Children, Picks Up Fallen Cap in Heartwarming Red Fort Moment (Video).

The observation quickly drew attention online, with users debating whether the arrangement was intentional or simply a styling choice.

PM Modi's Independence Day Turban Tradition

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day attire has become a visual tradition, with his choice of colourful traditional turbans attracting attention every year.

In 2024, Modi wore a vibrant Rajasthani leheriya turban featuring shades of orange, yellow and green. In 2023, he opted for a bandhani-print turban in yellow, green and red, paired with a black V-neck jacket.

In 2022, Modi wore a saffron turban with red motifs and a flowing tail, along with a blue jacket and stole. His 2021 attire featured a cream-and-saffron turban, while in 2020 he wore a white scarf with a saffron border as a protective face covering amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Modi's first Independence Day appearance as prime minister in 2014 featured a striking red Jodhpuri bandhej turban. Since then, his Independence Day turbans have featured a variety of colours and traditional Indian tie-and-dye styles.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 15, 2026 01:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).