The national executive of the Bharatiya Janata Party discussed the changing of the kamal (lotus) logo of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Organisation.

The meeting, while condemning the decision of the Union government to change the logo of the organisation, observed that the lotus was the national flower and is linked with our culture.

The meeting observed that the lotus is not only considered sacred by the Hindus, but it is sacred to the Jains and the Buddhists as well and moreover, it is the national flower. Is the national flower a communal symbol in the eyes of the government of India? Why would any sect or religion have objection on any flower? the party reasoned.

BJP party president Rajnath Singh said, "I would like to reiterate that any objection to a flower can only be made by confusing secularism with dharmanirpekshata.

In panthanirpekshata, no one can have any opposition to any flower. Because the lotus flower is symbolic of Indian culture.

Only by trying to understand secularism as dharmanirpekshata can the lotus appear communal. I would like to ask the government as to how many national symbols would have to be changed because of its misplaced understanding of secularism.

Along with the logo of the Kendriya Vidyalaya, it would also have to change sentences like the one inscribed in the Supreme Court, yato dharmastatojayah; or the term shannohvarunah the Indian Navy logo; or nabha sparsha diptatama the Air Force logo because it highlights the wind god? All these dharmic words are inscribed in the numerous symbols of the Indian nation because these symbolise the fundamental character of India. To change them would be a misguided attempt to change the fundamental character of India, which we will never allow to succeed."

The executive committee also made certain demands where Jammu and Kashmir [Images] was concerned and assured that if the United Progressive Alliance could not fulfill these demands, then the National Democratic Alliance would do it once it came to power.

The demands:

It is imperative to resolve the complaints of discrimination in the allotment of developmental funds and remove regional disparities between Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.

New opportunities of employment should be proportionately created for all the regions of Jammu and Kashmir.

The government should mark a special area in the Kashmir Valley for the rehabilitation of the Kashmiri Pandits.

Nationalise the road leading to the Amarnath Yatra [Images], so that in the future, no attempt is made to disturb the social harmony for political reasons.