Bengaluru: The Karnataka government is considering granting official state flag status to the red-and-yellow Kannada flag, with Chief Minister D K Shivakumar saying a decision will be taken after discussions during the upcoming Belagavi legislature session.
Speaking at the Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations at Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said the flag had become a symbol of Kannada pride and the self-respect of the state’s people.
He said that just as Karnataka has an official state anthem, Naadageethe, the government wants an official flag representing the identity and aspirations of Kannadigas.
The chief minister said the red-and-yellow flag represents Kannada heritage, knowledge, culture, religious harmony, equality and the message of peace. He added that the government was examining the proposal to accord it formal recognition as the state’s official flag.
Shivakumar said the issue would be discussed during the Belagavi session before the government takes a final decision.
He said the move was aimed at strengthening Karnataka’s distinct identity within India’s federal structure and recognising the sentiments associated with the Kannada flag.