‘Looks Like Ireland’s Flag’: Congress Targets PM Modi Over Tricolour Pocket Square

The Congress on Saturday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Tricolour pocket square he wore during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, with party leader Pawan Khera sarcastically suggesting that the design resembled the Irish flag.

Khera shared a picture of Modi’s outfit on X and questioned the design of the pocket square.

“Lagta hai sahib ne Urdu mein Tiranga pehna hai. Ya phir Bharat India ki jagah Ireland ka Independence Day mana rahay hain,” Khera wrote, suggesting that Modi may have been wearing the Tricolour in the wrong orientation or appearing to celebrate Ireland’s Independence Day instead of India’s.

Modi’s Independence Day attire draws attention

The Congress remark came as India celebrated its 80th Independence Day under the theme ‘Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047’.

Modi delivered his 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort, continuing a tradition that began with his first such speech in 2014.

For this year’s ceremony, the Prime Minister wore a red safa featuring yellow and white Bandhani patterns, paired with a white kurta-pyjama and brown Nehru jacket. A Tricolour pocket square completed the look.

PM’s Independence Day outfits often make headlines

Modi’s Independence Day attire has regularly attracted attention, particularly his choice of colourful turbans and safas.

Since 2014, his headgear has featured different regional textiles, patterns and traditional designs, often highlighting elements of India’s cultural heritage.

His choice of traditional headgear has also drawn interest from fashion enthusiasts and those following India’s handloom and craftsmanship traditions, making his Independence Day appearance a talking point beyond his address and the day’s political events.