BENGALURU: A red, white, and yellow flag designed for Karnataka has been approved by the state's Siddaramaiah government, which will now ask the Centre for permission to use it. The “tricolour” features the state's emblem, “Ganda Bherunda”- a two-headed mythical bird. The “Naada Dwaja” borrows two colours from a flag that is already associated with Karnataka and is “unofficially” used in functions, including the state's formation day. “It was decided to have a flag for the state as a symbol of the pride of Kannada-speaking people. It was the intention, opinion and voice of Kannadigas,” Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said.
Siddaramaiah had faced criticism when he set up a panel to choose a flag design in July last year. Now, critics have drawn comparisons with Jammu and Kashmir, which is allowed to fly its own flag besides the national flag, because of its special status under the constitution. Karnataka CM has, meanwhile, expressed confidence that the flag would be cleared by the Centre. “There is nothing in the Constitution that says States should not have a flag,” he said.
The flag plan has caused a bitter sparring between the Congress and the main opposition, BJP which has accused the government of playing divisive politics. The national ruling party, however, did not make a move after the public expressed resistance over its stand.
