On Republic Day, at the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Tricolour was hoisted inside the monument by members of the All India Hindu Mahasabha. The group sang the national anthem and shouted slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” while a video of the event quickly went viral on social media.
Leaders of the Hindu Mahasabha said the act was historic, noting that the national flag had never been raised at the Taj Mahal since its construction began in 1632. “When the national flag is hoisted on government offices and buildings, why shouldn’t it be raised at the Taj Mahal? This is the right of every citizen,” said Nandu Kumar, city secretary of the Hindu Mahasabha. Another leader, Nitish Bhardwaj, added, “We wanted to mark Republic Day at India’s pride and show respect for the nation.”
The viral video shows members of the organisation carrying the Tricolour and singing the national anthem at the main area of the monument, drawing attention from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which is responsible for Taj Mahal security.
