Opposition leaders on Thursday, 30 July launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led NDA government over the controversy surrounding India's hockey team adopting a saffron-coloured kit for the 2026 Hockey World Cup, warning that the 'politicisation of colours' risks fracturing national unity. The remarks came from multiple parties during interactions within the Parliament premises in New Delhi.

Opposition Voices in Parliament

Azad Samaj Party-Kanshi Ram chief and Member of Parliament Chandrashekhar Azad said the government appeared to be 'trying to bring things associated with the majority into its own colour.' He was quick to add, however, that saffron predates partisan politics: 'Saffron is not their own colour. It has existed since the time of Lord Buddha.' He cautioned that 'politicisation of colours should not divide people's hearts,' calling such colour politics 'dangerous.'

Samajwadi Party MP Pushpendra Saroj drew a broader pattern, alleging that the ruling party had previously been accused of placing loyalists in government institutions and was now extending its reach into 'people's lifestyles, colours, and appearances.' He called for blue to remain India's sporting colour, invoking the long-standing 'Bleed Blue' identity that spans cricket, hockey, and other disciplines. 'It is very unfortunate and surprising that such news has come to light,' he said, urging the government to 'focus on governance' rather than ideology.

Trinamool, RJD Join the Criticism

All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kirti Azad, a former India cricketer himself, questioned why religious colours should enter the sporting arena at all. 'If our colour for sports has been blue so far, it should have remained like that,' he said. Azad also reminded that performance, not attire, determines success on the field — noting that Indian cricket once played in white and still won. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Sudhakar Singh was more blunt in his criticism, saying those behind the decision were 'mentally bankrupt' and sarcastically adding that they might 'even paint trees orange instead of green' next.

Priyanka Gandhi Links Jersey Row to Broader Pattern

Earlier on the same day, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra weighed in outside Parliament House, connecting the jersey controversy to what she described as a wider effort to 'rewrite history through the education policy.' She pointed to youth demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, saying: 'That is the voice of the nation.' Her remarks came in response to concerns raised by former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha, who had flagged the alleged replacement of the traditional blue jersey with orange ones.

Background and What Is at Stake

The controversy centres on reports that Hockey India has unveiled a saffron-coloured kit for the 2026 World Cup, departing from the deep blue that has been synonymous with Indian hockey for decades. Critics argue the shift carries political overtones given saffron's association with Hindu identity and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Supporters of the change have not been prominently quoted in the current round of reactions. Notably, this is not the first time a sports kit colour change in India has drawn political fire — similar debates have surfaced around cricket jerseys in recent years. With the 2026 Hockey World Cup approaching, the row is unlikely to fade quickly, and pressure on Hockey India and the government to respond is mounting.