Saffron flag row: Rajashekharananda Swamiji defends Udupi DC, slams political opposition

Saffron flag row: Rajashekharananda Swamiji defends Udupi DC, slams political opposition

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, January 23, 2026: Reacting to the controversy over the hoisting of the saffron flag by the Udupi Deputy Commissioner and the opposition raised by Congress leaders, Gurupura Vajradehi Matha seer Rajashekharananda Swamiji said that local leaders lack an understanding of religion. He remarked that he was not sure whether they even practise such traditions in their own homes.

He said that the Bhagwa Dhwaja (saffron flag) holds special reverence in Hindu tradition. While the Deputy Commissioner may be part of the government, he is free to participate in duties that are personal to him, and the government should not impose restrictions on such participation.

He further questioned why there is justification when officials from other faiths are brought into Hindu religious systems. Citing an earlier instance, he asked whether the government had stopped a Deputy Commissioner of another faith from visiting his religious place.

He alleged that attempts are now being made to malign the officer and tarnish his position unnecessarily. “There should be no scope for caste or religion in such matters. People from all communities bring offerings, and no one has ever been excluded. Everyone eats together there, and there has never been any sense of caste discrimination,” he said.

Hindu Sangama Programmes Aim to Unite Society, Says Rajashekharananda Swamiji

Speaking at a press conference held at the Vishwa Hindu Parishad office in Kadri, Mangaluru, Vajra Dehi Matha seer Rajashekharananda Swamiji said that efforts are underway to unite the entire Hindu community by bringing to the forefront the inner essence of the ancient Sanatana culture. He said the initiative aims to strengthen its values, religious faiths and social harmony.

He explained that the programme also serves as a platform to bring about positive transformation from the individual to society by practising the five core principles — harmony, family values, environmental conservation, an indigenous way of life and civic responsibility. With this objective, Hindu Sangama programmes have been organised in various mandals of Gurupura taluk, he added.