Having a state flag can't be termed anti-national, says Siddaramaiah

Bengaluru: Asserting that a separate flag for Karnataka will neither be anti-national nor an embarrassment to the Tricolour, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday reiteriated that there is legally no hindrance to the  state having its own flag.

Speaking to reporters after felicitating meritorious students who passed the KPSC exams in flying colours, Mr Siddaramaiah charged that the opposition BJP and JD(S) were indulging in politicking over the flag issue. "I have  faith in the federal system of the country. Having a separate flag  cannot be termed anti-national," the chief minister declared.

"We have a state anthem, has this in any way affected the national anthem or its status?" he retorted. The CM said a nine-member committee has been constituted under the guidance of senior writer and journalist Patil Puttappa which is yet to submit its report on having a separate flag for Karnataka. "Let the committee first submit its report. We will take a decision after discussing it thoroughly," he  said.

While taking a similar stand, Law and Parliamentary affairs minister, T.B. Jayachandra explained that there are three main Acts which govern issues pertaining to flags and flag hoisting. "While all these Acts speak of the National Flag and its protocol, the Acts remain silent on the issue of a state having its own flag. It is a grey area," Mr Jayachandra explained. 

This being the situation,  there was no problem in the state having its own flag, he said adding that his department will deliberate on  legal precedents and  judicial directives before taking any decision.The minister said that  the state anthem too does not have  official status.