Zameer Seeks To Step Down As Vijayanagara In-Charge, Basavanthappa To Hoist Flag
Basavanthappa will hoist the national flag at the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the district stadium in Hosapete at 9 am on Friday, according to the district administration.
Hosapete: After Housing Minister and Vijayanagara district in-charge minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan sought exemption from hoisting the national flag at the Independence Day celebrations in the district, the government has assigned the responsibility to Muzrai, Fisheries, Ports and Inland Water Transport Minister KS Basavanthappa.
Basavanthappa will hoist the national flag at the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the district stadium in Hosapete at 9 am on Friday, according to the district administration.
Zameer had written to Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on August 13 seeking exemption from the flag-hoisting duty as well as from being assigned the responsibility of any district as its in-charge minister.
In his letter, Zameer said several local body elections, including the BBMP elections, an Assembly by-election and party organisational activities were expected in the coming days. He said he would not have sufficient time to discharge the responsibilities of a district in-charge minister.
He also said he would not be able to attend the Independence Day programme on August 15 and sought to be relieved of the flag-hoisting responsibility. Zameer said he had already submitted a report after being assigned to study the drought situation in Vijayanagara district.
The decision drew sharp criticism from the opposition.
BJP state secretary and Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta accused Zameer of showing disrespect to the national flag and the sacrifices of freedom fighters by seeking exemption from the Independence Day duty.
He said participating in the Independence Day celebrations and respecting the Tricolour was the responsibility of every citizen and, more importantly, of elected representatives and ministers.
Chowta also questioned the Chief Minister's decision to accept Zameer's request, saying the minister should have been expected to discharge the national duty instead of seeking exemption on the grounds of lack of time.
He further criticised Zameer over his decision to seek exemption from the district in-charge responsibility while continuing to enjoy Cabinet-rank status and facilities.
