Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday expressed her reservation over the use of lotus in the G20 logo stating that it is "not a non-issue" but refused to elaborate further as it may not "augur well" for the country if it is discussed outside.
The Chief Minister argued that the Centre could have chosen any other national symbol instead of the lotus as it is also the symbol of a political party. "I have also seen it (the Lotus logo). As it's a matter related to our country, we are not saying anything. It does not augur well for the country if the issue gets discussed outside," she said.
Speaking to reporters at the Kolkata airport before leaving for New Delhi, Banerjee reiterated that it cannot be denied that the lotus, the national flower, is also the logo of a political party, without directly mentioning the BJP.
"It cannot be denied that the national flower is also the logo of a political party. There are so many other national symbols that could have been used in the logo. Even if I don't raise this matter (in Delhi), others may," she said.
Banerjee will be attending a meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the preparatory process for the G20 summit in 2023. "I have seen it but did not say much. It's not a non-issue. It's an important issue and they (Centre) must think over the matter," the Trinamool Congress supremo said.
However, Congress has been more direct in its attack on the Centre over the issue accusing it of promoting the BJP by using lotus in the G20 logo, prompting a rebuttal from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arguing that lotus is part of the country's cultural identity.
Earlier, the PMO stated in a release that the G20 logo, unveiled last month, is inspired by the vibrant colours of the national flag saffron, white and green, and blue. "It juxtaposes planet Earth with the lotus, India's national flower that reflects growth amid challenges...The Earth reflects India's pro-planet approach to life, one in perfect harmony with nature," it added. The G20 summit will be held in Delhi on September 9 and 10 in 2023.
