Justifying the demand for a Karnataka flag, he added: "There is nothing in the Constitution that prohibits States from having its own State flag. Irrespective of the opinion of central BJP leaders, Karnataka BJP state leaders should pressurise the Prime Minister's Office to grant official status to Karnataka flag."
Congress leader Siddaramaiah once again unfurled the Karnataka flag controversy, claiming that the BJP is prejudiced towards Kannadigas.
Taking to Twitter, Siddaramaiah, in a series of tweets, said: "Many district administrative bodies have disrespected our State flag by not hoisting it on Kannada Rajyotsava. I strongly condemn this. Karnataka chief minister has himself hoisted it in Bengaluru. Then under whose orders were it not hoisted in various district centres?"
"There is long tradition of hoisting Kannada flag in all district centres on Kannada Rajyotsava. All previous govts had followed the tradition. However, last year, Kannada & Culture minister CT Ravi had faced public wrath when he had opposed the hoisting of Kannada flag," he posted.
Chief Minister Yediyurappa had yesterday hoisted the 'Kannada flag' at Bengaluru's Kanteerava Stadium, alongside the Indian flag.
In Bengaluru, people displayed the longest Karnataka flag during Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations.
Now, Siddaramaiah seems to be trying to gain political mileage out of the long sought demand.
In his tweet, Siddaramaiah said, "During my tenure as chief minister, I had sent the Kannada flag to the Centre for approval. The flag was designed by the expert committee based on history, culture & legal issues. The flag was not approved by the BJP and this just exposes BJP's prejudice towards Kannadigas."
Justifying the demand for a Karnataka flag, he added: "There is nothing in the Constitution that prohibits States from having its own State flag. Irrespective of the opinion of central BJP leaders, Karnataka BJP state leaders should pressurise the Prime Minister's Office to grant official status to Karnataka flag."