West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Monday that Centre could have used any national symbol other than lotus for the G 20 logo.
The CM contended that the flower represents a political party.
The Congress has claimed that the Centre has used lotus in the G 20 logo in a bid to promote the Bharatiya Janata Party. The Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh responded to the allegations, saying that the flower was part of the country's cultural identity.
Before leaving for New Delhi, Banerjee told reporters at the city airport, I have also seen the Lotus logo. As it is related to our country, we are not saying anything. It doesn't bode well for the country if the issue is discussed outside. The CM will be at the national capital to talk about the preparatory process for the G 20 summit in 2023, as a result of the meeting called by PM Narendra Modi.
The national flower is the logo of a political party, and it can't be denied. There are so many other national symbols that could have been used in the logo. She said that even if I don't raise this matter in Delhi others may, it may be true.
I have seen it but did not say much. The Centre must think about the matter and it's an important issue, said the TMC supremo.
Mamata took a swipe at PM Modi administration over the roadshow during the polls.
The Roadshow is not permitted on the day of the election but Prime Minister Modi and his party are VVIPs, they can do anything and will be excused, Mamata said about the ongoing Gujarat polls 2022.
India has assumed the presidency of G-20 for a year.
The logo, unveiled last month, draws inspiration from the vibrant colors of the national flag saffron, white and green, and blue, according to a press release from the prime minister's office.
The statement noted that it juxtaposes planet Earth with the lotus, India's national flower that reflects growth amid challenges.
It added that the Earth reflects India's pro-planet approach to life, one in perfect harmony with nature.
The summit will be held in Delhi on September 9 and 10 next year.
ALSO READ: India s G 20 agenda will be inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented and decisive, says PM Modi.