Just a month after coming to power, the BJP government in Karnataka has decided to withdraw the previous Congress government’s proposal for a separate state flag. Minister for Kannada and Culture CT Ravi announced on Thursday that the Constitution doesn’t allow another flag along with the national flag, so the state will not pursue the matter further.
When in March 2018, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah sent a tricolour state flag (Naada Dhwaja) for approval from the central government under the Schedule of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Misuse) Act (1950), Karnataka was to be the second the state in country, after Kashmir, to get a separate state flag.
Since the BJP was opposed to the state flag, claiming it was against the idea of the nation, dropping the proposal for the state flag was expected. However, many believe the move was to give strength to the BJP’s demand for one nation, one flag policy to be implemented in Kashmir.
No Provision in the Constitution: Minister
Talking to reporters, minister CT Ravi said:
“There can be flags culturally, for political parties and even organisations. But the Constitution doesn’t have a provision for having another flag along with the tricolour. We are approaching the Union government in this regard.”CT Ravi | Minister for Kannada and Culture
BJP leaders also pointed that the Congress’ former ally Janata Dal Secular and its leader, HD Kumaraswamy, too were against the idea of the separate state flag.
How the Demand for Flag Came About
Karnataka had used yellow and red flag unofficially for over 50 years. However, it was only in June 2017, then chief minister Siddaramaiah formed a committee to look into provision of having a state flag.
Since the red and yellow flag used as the unofficial flag was registered by another political party as their flag, the committee had to come up with new tri-colour design, which was sent for approval to central government.
Even BJP Had Supported the Idea: In 2012, during the Budget speech, the then BJP chief minister, DV Sadananda Gowda, announced that hoisting of the Karnataka flag on the state’s formation day will be made mandatory for all government offices and education institutions.
During his speech he was referring to red and yellow flag, which was an unofficial flag. This decision was later contested in the court and it was learnt that the red and yellow flag didn’t have any legal status. Later this notification was withdrawn.
Siddaramaiah Opposes BJP Decision
Soon after the minister Ravi announced the decision to drop the idea of the state flag, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the decision was against the sentiments of the people.
In a series of tweets, he said: “It is wrong on the part of Kannada & Cultural minister @CTRavi_BJP to oppose our state flag. The state is not barred by the constitution or any law to have its own state flag. @BJP4Karnataka govt's stand is against the sentiments of Kannadigas.”
He further pointed that the state has state anthem along with the national anthem and many senior Kannada activists had demanded for the flag over the years.
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