Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the nation was shocked to witness the insult of the Tricolour on January 26. PM Modi made the statement while addressing this years’ first ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme.

“It seems a few days ago when we were giving each other auspicious wishes, then we celebrated Lohri, celebrated Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Bihu. Festivals were celebrated in different parts of the country this month. Today is the last day of January 2021. Are you too thinking, the way I am that 2021 had commenced just a few days ago? It just doesn’t feel that the entire month of January has passed by! This is what is termed as the speed of time,” PM Modi said in his monthly radio programme Mann ki Baat.

“This month, we got good news from the cricket pitch. After initial hiccups, the Indian team bounced back gloriously and won the series in Australia. Our team’s hard work and teamwork was inspiring. In the midst of all this, the nation was shocked to witness the insult of the Tricolour on January 26. We have to fill the coming days with hope and novelty,” he added.

The Prime Minister’s comments came in the aftermath of the violence on January 26 when farmers protesting against agriculture laws did not follow the prearranged route and broke barricades to enter Delhi, clashed with police and vandalised property. They also entered the Red Fort and unfurled their flags from its ramparts.