Karnataka Minister's I-Day Flag Duty Exemption Draws BJP Fire

Bengaluru: A Congress minister in Karnataka has come under criticism from the opposition BJP for seeking to be excused from the responsibility of hoisting the national flag during this year's Independence Day celebrations. Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan has written to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, requesting to be relieved from his duty as the district-in-charge minister for Vijayanagara district on August 15.

According to the Chief Minister's office, each minister in the state cabinet was assigned a district to oversee the Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony. Mr. Khan was allotted Vijayanagara district for this task. However, in his letter to the Chief Minister, he cited his focus on party organisational work, including preparations for upcoming local body elections, the Gulbarga-Bidar-Aurangabad (GBA) constituency by-polls, and Assembly by-elections, as reasons for seeking an exemption.

The minister also mentioned that he had been asked to assess the drought situation in the district and had already submitted a report to the government. He indicated that managing both district responsibilities and election-related work was not feasible for him.

The BJP strongly objected to the minister's request. In a social media post, BJP leader S. Ashok called the move 'an absolute disgrace to our Constitution' and 'a direct insult to millions of Indians.' He questioned how a sitting Cabinet Minister could consider the 'sacred duty' of hoisting the national flag on Independence Day as a burden compared with party politics.

Mr. Ashok further alleged that for Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and the Karnataka Congress, 'political power, election strategy, and party loyalty will always take priority over national pride, our freedom fighters, and the sacred tri-colour.'

The Congress party has not yet issued an official response to the BJP's remarks. However, sources close to the minister said his request was made with genuine intent to ensure smooth conduct of the celebrations, as he wanted to devote time to the party's poll preparations. They also noted that the minister had completed his drought assessment report as instructed.

The controversy comes ahead of India's 78th Independence Day, when ministers and public representatives traditionally hoist the national flag across districts as a mark of respect and to lead community celebrations. The practice is part of the official protocol, and declining it is rare.

While the BJP has sought to portray the minister's action as an insult to the nation, political analysts point out that ministers often request changes in district assignments due to prior engagements or administrative reasons. They added that the issue is likely to be used as a political tool in the run-up to the local body elections.

The Chief Minister's office has not yet indicated whether Mr. Khan's request has been accepted or if an alternative arrangement will be made for Vijayanagara district.