Bengaluru, Jul 18: The Congress government in Karnataka has set up a panel that will explore how the state can legally have its own separate flag. Right now Jammu and Kashmir, which has special status under Article 370 of the Constitution, is the only state in the country that is permitted its own flag.
The move comes ahead of assembly elections in Karnataka next year and amid protests by pro-Kannada activists against what they have called the imposition of Hindi in the state by the BJP-ruled Centre. The BJP does not support a separate flag for the state.
"Is there any provision in the constitution that prohibits a state from having a flag,' said Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, today, denying that he is exploring an official flag with an eye on elections. "It has nothing to do with elections. If the BJP is opposed to it then can they say openly that they are against a state flag," he added.
Five years ago, when the BJP was in power in Karnataka, it had rejected a suggestion that a red and yellow flag used in the state for cultural events be declared the state's official flag. The then BJP government had told the state's High Court that a state flag would be against the unity and integrity of the nation.
The nine-member panel, which will include bureaucrats and academics, will also suggest a design for a state flag.
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