BENGALURU: Amid opposition from various individuals and organisations, it seems the state government is likely to drop the idea of designing an official flag for Karnataka.Kannada and Culture department Under Secretary, in its order dated June 6, had asked the committee members to look into the new design of flag for the state and also legalities of the state having its own flag. The nine-member committee formed to look into this was headed by Principal Secretary, Kannada and Culture department. Other members included Secretary to DPAR, Law department Secretary, Secretary - Home, Chairman- Kannada Sahithya Parishath, Kannada Development Authority Chairman, Registrar-Kannada University, Hampi, and director - Kannada and Culture department.
It has been close to three months now. “The committee members have not met even once so far,” said N R Vishukumar, Director of department of Kannada and Culture. Committee members are even yet to get any official confirmation that they are the part of the panel.“I have not received any official communication or letter,’’ said Manu Baligar, Chairman, Kannada Sahithya Parishath.Sources said cloud of uncertainty looms over official nod for Kannada flag.
“Various political party leaders, writers, activists and experts are opposing it. They believe in one nation, one flag concept. Officials are clueless on how to proceed in the matter. The State government too hasn’t shown much interest of late and the plan is likely to be scrapped,’’ sources added.
Secretary to Kannada and Culture department Charavarthy Mohan was taken aback when asked about their first meeting. “If any meeting is held, we will inform the media. Till now, it has not happened,’’ he said. Over plans to withdraw the decision, he did not say anything.Kannada Development Authority Chairman S G Siddaramiah confirmed there is no communication and no meeting has taken place.
“I am going to bring this issue before the authorities concerned and ask them to call for the meeting. We want to implement it by Kannada Rajyotsava on November 1,’’ he said.
A senior Congress leader, on the condition of anonymity, said that K C Venugopal, Congress’ Karnataka in-charge, is unhappy with the decision to have a separate state flag. “Venugopal opposed the idea of a separate state flag, saying India should only have one national flag. Some other national leaders too are not in favour of a state flag and are putting pressure on Siddaramaiah to take back his decision,’’ he said.
In 2012, D V Sadananda Gowda had announced that the bi-colour Kannada flag would be hoisted on all government buildings next to the national flag on November 1.A circular was also issued. However, its use was challenged in Karnataka High Court, forcing them to withdraw the notification. Later, when Jagadish Shettar was CM, his government gave affidavit that there was no state flag.