Debate over hoisting Kannada flag at state event

The hoisting of Kannada flag at a programme organised by the Department of Public Instruction led to a debate with the state government moving to the defensive.

While Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hoisted the Tricolour, Primary and Higher Education minister Tanveer Sait hoisted the Kannada flag at the event held in Kanteerava Stadium.
The government has formed a committee on state flag which is still discussing the issue. Some questioned the need for hoisting a flag before the committee came up with its recommendations.

Energy Minister D K Shivakumar, however, clarified there was no mistake in the governmetnt's action. "Kannada flag is in public sphere for long. There is no wrong in hoisting it in a Rajyotsava programme," Shivakumar said at an event in Ramanagaram.

Siddaramiah, who has been vocal about his pro-Kannada stance, tweeted: "I am as much an Indian as I am a Kannadiga...It is my first identity. I am an Indian because I am a Kannadiga."

A senior official from the Department of Public Instruction said there was nothing unusual in Wednesday's event. "Kannada flag is hoisted at Rajyotsava events every year. There is nothing special in it. Only it will be slightly below the natonal flag," the official added.