'Vande Mataram': TDP flags off patriotic digital drive in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor

As cross-border tensions intensify between India and Pakistan, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has launched a digital campaign, titled 'Vande Mataram', in a bid to show solidarity to the country and its armed forces during a critical time. 

TDP General Secretary and AP IT Minister, N. Lokesh, who tweeted about the campaign with the hashtag '#MyDPVandeMataram', said: 

“When forces outside try to weaken India’s unity, it’s time for all of us to rise above differences and come together as one. Let’s echo Vande Mataram and show the world that India stands strong, united in spirit and purpose.”

Over the last few days, Indian border areas witnessed heavy shelling along with drone attacks from Pakistan post the launch of Operation Sindoor which targeted terrorist hideouts in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the Pakistani mainland. 

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The campaign is also intended to bolster the confidence of the armed forces. The idea of the TDP is to encourage its party leaders, members and citizens to change the display images of their social media handles to extend support to the country.

A digital poster accompanies the campaign. A saffron, white and green ribbon unfurling across the base with the Ashoka Chakra at its center. Above it in bold letters are the words ‘VANDE MATARAM’, with ‘VANDE’ in saffron and ‘MATARAM’ in green. Behind it is the faint imprint of the Ashoka Chakra. The subtle yet powerful image is meant to evoke a collective national spirit.

Apart from Lokesh, some examples of those who embraced the template and changed their display pictures across platforms like X and Instagram are Union Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, MoS for Rural Development and Communications, P. Chandra Sekhar, AP Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha and Urban Development Minister, P Narayana.

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The party has called upon every citizen to join in by updating their display pictures on platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram as a symbolic gesture. 

Meanwhile Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu paid tributes to martyred soldier Murali Naik who lost his life at the LoC as a result of firing from Pakistan. 25-year-old Naik is a native of AP's Anantapur district. The CM expressed deep sorrow and spoke to his parents, assuring them of all support from the government. 

India