Kochi: In an unfortunate mix-up, a CPM branch committee in Eloor, Kerala, inadvertently hoisted the Congress party flag in place of the Indian national flag during Independence Day celebrations, sparking widespread attention online.

According to party sources, the mix-up occurred when an elderly local leader, who also serves as an office-bearer of the Left party’s Senior Citizens’ Forum, mistakenly identified the Congress flag as the tricolour.

A CPM representative confirmed the incident on Wednesday, stating that several local leaders and members were present at the event. “It was only after the hoisting that a participant pointed out the error,” another leader noted.

“The flag of the Congress party remained hoisted for hardly 10 minutes,” he said, adding that it was promptly taken down once the mistake was realised.

Despite the brief duration, photos and videos of the incident quickly went viral across social media platforms, drawing public scrutiny.

A senior CPM district leader later verified the incident, describing it as a genuine mistake.

“The leader concerned admitted that he had kept several party flags with him and accidentally mistook the Congress flag for the national flag. Considering his age and the circumstances, the party has decided not to take disciplinary action,” the leader added.

PTI