'May do same with Army': Oppn attacks BJP for India Hockey's saffron jersey
Opposition leaders in India have criticized the government and Hockey India for changing the national team's jersey color from blue to saffron. While officials cite visibility on synthetic turf as the reason, critics allege a broader political agenda of 'saffronization' of national institutions.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights the intense political polarization in India regarding national symbols and the perceived influence of the ruling party's ideology on sports and public institutions.
NEW DELHI: Opposition on Thursday targeted Centre over the change in the hockey teams' jersey colour from the traditional blue to saffron and expressed concerns that the army's uniform could be next target. The group also accused the BJP and the RSS of trying to impose saffron across institutions. The remarks came after Hockey India unveiled new saffron jerseys for the national men's and women's teams ahead of next month's FIH Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium. Hockey India has said the change was made following feedback from players and coaches, who felt the blue jersey blended with the blue synthetic turf, affecting on-field visibility.Reacting to the development, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra alleged that the BJP and RSS were attempting to reshape institutions and history."Whether they change uniforms or try to rewrite history through education policy, no matter what they do...
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