- Tuesday, March 11, 2025
While some said there was no problem in showing the political party’s flag at the sporting event, others refused to agree.
By: Shubham Ghosh
The first day of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and Australia at The Oval on Wednesday (7) remained witness to an off-field controversy and it did not take long for social media to explode over it.
It all happened when Indian journalist Rajdeep Sardesai shared an image of some fans holding the flag of the country’s ruling party — Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by prime minister Narendra Modi — in the gallery. Desai, who is in the UK to watch the game to decide the new champions in Test, said. “Spotted at the Oval: just a reminder, this is India Vs Australia folks!”
Spotted at the Oval: just a reminder, this is India Vs Australia folks! #WTC2023 pic.twitter.com/QMVroHjSbq
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) June 7, 2023
Netizens soon came up with reactions and it was a mixed scenario. While some was proud about it, others were less so. Some even accused Sardesai of ignoring flags and posters of opposition Indian National Congress at the same venue and there were also people who said the veteran journalist posted an old picture from some other ground.
Among those who did not like the presence of the BJP’s flag at The Oval, one said it was not a lucky sign.
Here are some reactions on social media to the displaying of the BJP’s saffron flag at the venue during the first day of the WTC final:
Champion of freedom of expression having issues freedom of expression.
— Aditya (@iambharat25) June 7, 2023
You should remember “PM Modi is the Boss”
— Piyas?? (@piyaspc) June 7, 2023
You were ok with this, india today was writing articles.. but lost your calm watching lotus. Whyyyyy pic.twitter.com/pZH9tRlrGQ
— Lala (@FabulasGuy) June 7, 2023
BJP cannot support India team ?
— JH (@jagdish_2204) June 7, 2023
if India loses, we know what caused the panauti. The stadium needs to be cleansed immediately.
— ηᎥ†Ꭵղ (@nkk_123) June 7, 2023
Why the BJP flag beside Indian flag?
Is this not the insult of Indian flag?
This is shameful !— Ashok Shekhawat ?? (@Ashokkshekhawat) June 7, 2023
So what? When Khalistanis roam around in Canada carrying Khalistan flags and threatening Indians somehow Rajdeep Sardesai sleeps in his foxhole and conveniently is incommunicado and never utters so much as a sliver of criticism. The champ is here to preach now. Is it Rajdeep?
— Subhendu (@Subhendu23) June 7, 2023
Mr @sardesairajdeep where did you find this glass balcony here in the Oval today? I am also at the Oval now and there is no glass balcony like this here. Don't you think this is an old photo from Old Trafford?
— Shantanu Rahman (@ShantanuRahman) June 7, 2023
India were at the receiving end on both first and second day of the match as their top order collapsed fast while replying to Australia’s big first innings total of 469. India were 151 for 5 at stumps on Day 2 and would have to stage a massive fightback to remain relevant in the WTC final 2023.
