Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Harshwardhan Sapkal urged his party workers to take a pledge to ensure that the Tricolour reaches every home across the state, while warning against attempts by certain caste-based and communal forces to "politicise the colours of the national flag".

Speaking at the 77th Republic Day celebrations at the Congress headquarters, Tilak Bhavan, in Mumbai, Sapkal said, “The Tricolour is the pride, identity, and honour of our nation. Many sacrificed their lives for it. Yet, some forces are attempting to manipulate the green and saffron for selfish political gains, disturbing social harmony. Congress workers and constitutionalists must ensure that the Tricolour reaches every home in Maharashtra and across India.”