The Karnataka government’s move to institute a flag for the State seem to have left at least some observers mystified.

Political parties, however, feel Siddaramaiah has sounded the poll bugle with this move, with elections to the State Assembly due in early 2018.

They believe the ruling Congress intends to pit Kannada pride against the Opposition BJP’s Hindu nationalist agenda.

Siddaramaiah’s decision to constitute a nine-member committee to look into the design of a Karnataka flag, and steps to be taken to give it legal sanctity, comes at a time when the BJP is carrying out an aggressive, door-to-door vistara (expansion) programme in the State. While the party has not opposed the flag outright, it has described it as being against the country’s federal structure.

The existing red-and-yellow Kannada flag, which is not recognised by the Constitution or the State, is a very emotive for the people of the State as it represents good omen, for during any auspicious occasion vermilion and turmeric is used.

Ever since Karnataka’s formation in 1956, the flag has come to represent Kannada pride: it is is hoisted at all State programmes.

And divided as the State is by regional identities (Mumbai-Karnataka, Hyderabad-Karnataka, coastal Karnataka and old Mysore region), cultural and caste differences, it is the Kannada language and flag that binds its people.

The Congress now appears to be tapping into this potential.

Defending the move staunchly, Siddaramaiah said, “We have a nadageethe (State song); so what is wrong in having an official State flag? There has been a demand from various quarters that official status be accorded to the Kannada flag.”

He further said: “The panel will look into all aspects. The government will take a call on its next step of action only after the panel submits its report... the Constitution does not restrict States from having their own official flags.”

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