<p>West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday stated that the controversy over the use of lotus in the G20 logo is "not a non-issue" but she would refrain from raising it as the matter, if discussed outside, may not augur well for the country.</p>.<p>The CM also contended that the central government could have chosen any national symbol other than the lotus for the summit's logo, as the flower also represents a political party.</p>.<p>The Congress has alleged that the Centre used lotus in the G20 logo in a bid to promote the Bharatiya Janata Party. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh responded to the allegation, saying that the flower was part of the country’s cultural identity.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read — <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/gujarat-elections-mamata-criticises-modi-for-road-show-on-polling-day-1168578.html" target="_blank">Gujarat Elections: Mamata criticises Modi for 'road show' on polling day</a></strong></p>.<p>Banerjee, before leaving for New Delhi, told reporters at the city airport, "I have also seen it (the Lotus logo). As it's a matter related to our country, we are not saying anything. It does not augur well for the country if the issue gets discussed outside."</p>.<p>At the national capital, the CM will be attending the meeting called by PM Narendra Modi to discuss the preparatory process for the G20 summit in 2023.</p>.<p>"It cannot be denied that the national flower is also the logo of a political party. There are so many other national symbols which could have been used in the logo. Even if I don’t raise this matter (in Delhi), others may," she said.</p>.<p>"I have seen it but did not say much. It's not a non-issue. It's an important issue and they (Centre) must think over the matter," the TMC supremo added.</p>.<p>India has assumed the Presidency of G20 grouping for one year.</p>.<p>A press release from the prime minister's office had stated that the logo, which was unveiled last month, draws inspiration from the vibrant colours of national flag – saffron, white and green, and blue.</p>.<p>"It juxtaposes planet Earth with the lotus, India's national flower that reflects growth amid challenges," the statement noted.</p>.<p>"The Earth reflects India’s pro-planet approach to life, one in perfect harmony with nature," it added.</p>.<p>The summit will held in Delhi on September 9 and 10 next year.</p>
<p>West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday stated that the controversy over the use of lotus in the G20 logo is "not a non-issue" but she would refrain from raising it as the matter, if discussed outside, may not augur well for the country.</p>.<p>The CM also contended that the central government could have chosen any national symbol other than the lotus for the summit's logo, as the flower also represents a political party.</p>.<p>The Congress has alleged that the Centre used lotus in the G20 logo in a bid to promote the Bharatiya Janata Party. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh responded to the allegation, saying that the flower was part of the country’s cultural identity.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read — <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/gujarat-elections-mamata-criticises-modi-for-road-show-on-polling-day-1168578.html" target="_blank">Gujarat Elections: Mamata criticises Modi for 'road show' on polling day</a></strong></p>.<p>Banerjee, before leaving for New Delhi, told reporters at the city airport, "I have also seen it (the Lotus logo). As it's a matter related to our country, we are not saying anything. It does not augur well for the country if the issue gets discussed outside."</p>.<p>At the national capital, the CM will be attending the meeting called by PM Narendra Modi to discuss the preparatory process for the G20 summit in 2023.</p>.<p>"It cannot be denied that the national flower is also the logo of a political party. There are so many other national symbols which could have been used in the logo. Even if I don’t raise this matter (in Delhi), others may," she said.</p>.<p>"I have seen it but did not say much. It's not a non-issue. It's an important issue and they (Centre) must think over the matter," the TMC supremo added.</p>.<p>India has assumed the Presidency of G20 grouping for one year.</p>.<p>A press release from the prime minister's office had stated that the logo, which was unveiled last month, draws inspiration from the vibrant colours of national flag – saffron, white and green, and blue.</p>.<p>"It juxtaposes planet Earth with the lotus, India's national flower that reflects growth amid challenges," the statement noted.</p>.<p>"The Earth reflects India’s pro-planet approach to life, one in perfect harmony with nature," it added.</p>.<p>The summit will held in Delhi on September 9 and 10 next year.</p>