📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / This Photo was taken by Timothy A. Gonsalves. Fee
Politics
Karnataka Minister Seeks Flag‑Hoisting Exemption on Independence Day, BJP Responds with Anger
✍️ News18
🗓 14 Aug 2026, 03:36 PM
👁 23
A Karnataka minister has requested an exemption from hoisting the national flag on Independence Day, sparking criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party.
On August 15, a minister from Karnataka submitted a formal request to the state government seeking exemption from the mandatory flag‑hoisting ceremony scheduled for Independence Day. The minister cited a heavy workload and operational constraints as reasons for the request.
The appeal was met with swift backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has long championed the display of the tricolour as a symbol of national pride. Party leaders condemned the request as disrespectful to the nation and called for a firm response.
Under Indian law, flag hoisting at government offices on Independence Day is compulsory, and any deviation requires explicit approval from the central government. The Karnataka administration has yet to announce whether it will grant the exemption or uphold the tradition.
Observers note that the incident could set a precedent for other officials seeking similar waivers, potentially challenging the uniform observance of national symbols across the country.
The matter remains under review, with stakeholders awaiting a definitive decision from the state authorities before the holiday.
The appeal was met with swift backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has long championed the display of the tricolour as a symbol of national pride. Party leaders condemned the request as disrespectful to the nation and called for a firm response.
Under Indian law, flag hoisting at government offices on Independence Day is compulsory, and any deviation requires explicit approval from the central government. The Karnataka administration has yet to announce whether it will grant the exemption or uphold the tradition.
Observers note that the incident could set a precedent for other officials seeking similar waivers, potentially challenging the uniform observance of national symbols across the country.
The matter remains under review, with stakeholders awaiting a definitive decision from the state authorities before the holiday.