Karnataka Minister Seeks Exemption from Flag Hoisting on 15 Aug

Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan has requested Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to exempt him from hoisting the national flag in Vijayanagar district on Independence Day, citing political commitments. The BJP has sharply criticised the move, calling it a "disgrace to the Constitution" and an insult to the nation.

Minister Cites Poll Preparations for Request

Khan, a senior Congress leader, was assigned the responsibility of hoisting the tricolour in Vijayanagar district as part of the state’s Independence Day celebrations. However, in a letter to the Chief Minister, he stated that he could not fulfil the duty due to his focus on preparations for upcoming local body elections and Assembly by-polls.

The Minister also noted that he had already submitted a report on the drought situation in the district, which was another task assigned to him. He argued that his current workload left him with little time to serve as the district in-charge minister.

BJP Condemns the Move

The BJP has strongly criticised Khan’s decision, accusing him of prioritising party politics over national pride. BJP leader R. Ashok termed the request "an absolute disgrace to our Constitution" and "a direct insult to millions of Indians." He questioned how a Cabinet Minister could consider the duty of hoisting the national flag a burden.

In a social media post, Ashok further alleged that for Khan and the Karnataka Congress, "political power, election strategy, and party loyalty" take precedence over "national pride, our freedom fighters, and the sacred tricolour."

Why This Matters

The controversy comes at a time when political tensions are already high in Karnataka, with local body elections and Assembly by-polls on the horizon. The BJP’s sharp criticism of Khan’s decision reflects the broader political battle between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP in the state.

Khan’s request has sparked a debate about the balance between political responsibilities and national duties, especially on a day as significant as Independence Day. The incident highlights how symbolic acts like flag hoisting can become flashpoints in larger political narratives.

Source: The Hindu