London: Hindu organisations in Leicester have filed a police complaint against the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), accusing it of “stoking religious disharmony” after the body raised concerns about saffron flags displayed during a Ganesh Chaturthi procession. The complaint, filed by the Hindu Community Organisations Group representing 40 groups, said the MCB statement was “factually incorrect and offensive.”
The MCB had noted that the flags carried during the procession were associated with Hindutva groups and urged authorities to act, saying their presence sparked concern among local communities. Hindu leaders countered that the saffron flag was a sacred religious emblem, not a political symbol, and said the MCB’s remarks misrepresented Hindu practices.
This clash over symbols points to the growing tension between community identity and political mobilisation. Critics argue that Hindu organisations are quick to claim hurt when their symbols are linked with extremism, yet show little concern when similar or stronger reactions are directed against Muslim expressions in India.
A recent example is the removal of a banner with the words “Islam Zindabad” in Indore after complaints by Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal. A peaceful affirmation of Muslim identity was branded as provocative and linked to extremism. The same groups rarely face restrictions when raising aggressive slogans in public spaces.
The contrast highlights a troubling double standard. While Hindu groups in the UK demand protection for their religious symbols, in India, Muslim expressions of faith are often criminalised or silenced.
