It appears that the proposal sent by the previous Congress government for a Stage flag for Karnataka will be put on the back burner by the Congress–Janata Dal (Secular) coalition government.
Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy told The Hindu that he did not believe that unity of akhanda Karnataka (undivided Karnataka) could be achieved by having a flag alone.
“I don’t say the flag is not important. But I don’t think it will help in uniting the State emotionally,” he said. Arguing that people want development rather than a flag, he said, “Flag is a secondary issue.” The priority, he argued, should be uplifting the lives of people.
Asked if it was not of symbolic significance, he said, “One flag is already used by Kannadigas during the celebration of Kannada Rajyotsava and other occasions.”
Caste census too
Like the flag issue, the ambitious caste census conducted by the previous government may also go into cold storage. “Caste census report has not reached the government. I can react only when it is submitted to the government. The decision will be taken when it is submitted and it will discussed,” said Mr. Kumaraswamy, and added that any problems with the report would also be discussed. “I have learnt that some members have registered their dissent over the report,” he added.