Hoist Tricolour at mosque, madrasa main gates on Jan 26: Chhattisgarh Waqf Board
The Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board has mandated the hoisting of the national flag at all mosques, madrasas, and dargahs it manages on Republic Day, highlighting constitutional values and national unity.
The Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board has directed that the National Flag be hoisted at the main gates of all mosques, madrasas and dargahs across the state on Republic Day, January 26, 2026, triggering a wider political and social debate. The Tricolour must be unfurled as a mark of respect for the Constitution, democratic values and national unity, the directive said.
Issued ahead of India’s 77th Republic Day, the order mandates that the national flag be displayed prominently at the entrances of all Waqf-managed religious institutions so that it remains clearly visible during the celebrations.
The directive asks caretakers and managing committees of Waqf properties to ensure compliance and maintain the dignity of the occasion.
Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board Chairman Dr Salim Raj said Republic Day should be observed with patriotism, communal harmony and brotherhood. “Republic Day belongs to every citizen. Displaying the national flag reflects our respect for the Constitution and democratic values,” he said.
Dr Raj asserted that muslims in India are patriotic and committed to constitutional principles, adding that a similar directive had been issued on Independence Day as well. He described the move as part of the Board’s consistent approach towards national integration.
“Our institutions function within the framework of the Constitution. Observing national days in this manner reinforces unity and shared responsibility,” he said.
The move has drawn mixed reactions from political leaders. BJP leader Touqeer Raza welcomed the directive, saying it would help instil a sense of patriotism among children studying in madrasas and devotees visiting mosques and dargahs. “Statutory institutions like madrasas and mosques hosting the national flag should be welcomed, not criticised,” he said.
However, the Congress criticised the development, accusing the BJP of politicising the issue. Party media head and spokesperson Sushil Anand Shukla said the remarks surrounding the directive reflected an attempt to target a particular community. He alleged that such statements were condemnable and claimed that the Waqf Board chairman was making the comments to protect his position.
Former Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board chairman Salam Rizvi also expressed reservations, saying that while appeals can be made, such actions should not be enforced. He said patriotism is a personal sentiment and should not be imposed through official instructions.
The directive has opened a broader debate on the balance between institutional appeals for national symbolism and individual interpretations of patriotism, even as Chhattisgarh prepares for Republic Day celebrations alongside the rest of the country.
The Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board has directed that the National Flag be hoisted at the main gates of all mosques, madrasas and dargahs across the state on Republic Day, January 26, 2026, triggering a wider political and social debate. The Tricolour must be unfurled as a mark of respect for the Constitution, democratic values and national unity, the directive said.
Issued ahead of India’s 77th Republic Day, the order mandates that the national flag be displayed prominently at the entrances of all Waqf-managed religious institutions so that it remains clearly visible during the celebrations.
The directive asks caretakers and managing committees of Waqf properties to ensure compliance and maintain the dignity of the occasion.
Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board Chairman Dr Salim Raj said Republic Day should be observed with patriotism, communal harmony and brotherhood. “Republic Day belongs to every citizen. Displaying the national flag reflects our respect for the Constitution and democratic values,” he said.
Dr Raj asserted that muslims in India are patriotic and committed to constitutional principles, adding that a similar directive had been issued on Independence Day as well. He described the move as part of the Board’s consistent approach towards national integration.
“Our institutions function within the framework of the Constitution. Observing national days in this manner reinforces unity and shared responsibility,” he said.
The move has drawn mixed reactions from political leaders. BJP leader Touqeer Raza welcomed the directive, saying it would help instil a sense of patriotism among children studying in madrasas and devotees visiting mosques and dargahs. “Statutory institutions like madrasas and mosques hosting the national flag should be welcomed, not criticised,” he said.
However, the Congress criticised the development, accusing the BJP of politicising the issue. Party media head and spokesperson Sushil Anand Shukla said the remarks surrounding the directive reflected an attempt to target a particular community. He alleged that such statements were condemnable and claimed that the Waqf Board chairman was making the comments to protect his position.
Former Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board chairman Salam Rizvi also expressed reservations, saying that while appeals can be made, such actions should not be enforced. He said patriotism is a personal sentiment and should not be imposed through official instructions.
The directive has opened a broader debate on the balance between institutional appeals for national symbolism and individual interpretations of patriotism, even as Chhattisgarh prepares for Republic Day celebrations alongside the rest of the country.