New Delhi (Agency): In Karnataka, a state in India known for its unity, pride, and leading role in research, science, and technology, the call for a separate state flag has been reignited. This comes with the return of Siddaramaiah, who previously led the state government.
Karnataka has a rich history that resonates with feelings of integrity. It is home to India’s IT capital, Bengaluru, and hosts some of the country’s most important research and science facilities. The state anthem begins with a proud salute to “Mother Karnataka, who is a great daughter of Mother Bharathi (India).” Karnataka has played a significant role in Indian military history and was among the first princely states to join the Indian federation at the time of independence.
In recent years, some in Karnataka have sought to assert the state’s distinct identity. They point to other countries like the United States and Australia, where states have their own constitutions or flags, as models to emulate.
According to Arun Javagal, a Kannada activist, the idea of having a separate flag for Karnataka “should not be seen as hostility towards the country.” He believes that “Sub nationalism will not challenge the integrity of the country.”
During Siddaramaiah’s tenure as the leader of the Congress government from 2013 to 2018, a proposal was sent to the Central government for a separate flag for Karnataka. However, the Central government has not yet responded to this proposal. The successive government led by H.D. Kumaraswamy decided not to follow up on the issue.
Now, with Siddaramaiah back in power, the discussion on a separate flag has come to the forefront again. Javagal highlights that more and more matters are being transferred to the Union list from the state list, leading to an increasing awareness of centralization policy. He, along with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge, and others, are strongly opposing what they perceive as the imposition of interests from north India.
Javagal emphasized the need for India to adopt a “genuine federal structure” and cautioned policymakers to consider historical examples where forced centralization led to the downfall of great kingdoms.
However, not everyone agrees with the push for a separate flag. Kannada activist Ashok Chandaragi stated that the separate flag “would definitely challenge the idea of nationalism” and that it is not in the nation’s best interest.
The return of Siddaramaiah has brought the state flag movement back into the spotlight, symbolizing a complex struggle between regional pride and national unity. Whether or not the flag will become a reality remains to be seen, but the discussion surrounding it continues to fuel passionate debates about identity, sovereignty, and the true meaning of nationalism in modern India.
