Karnataka Government Considers Official Status for Kannada Flag

The Karnataka Government is planning to officially recognize the Kannada flag and discuss the matter during the upcoming winter legislature session in Belagavi starting on November 30, 2026. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced this on Sunday while speaking at the 71st Rajyothsava celebrations at Kanteerava Stadium and to reporters in Bengaluru.

Rules and Orders

The State Government will soon issue an order to let private institutions fly the Kannada flag, and it is also thinking of making the flag mandatory in government-supported institutions. Chief Minister Shivakumar stated that the design with yellow and red will be used as the flag, noting that a previous proposal sent to the Centre after a 2018 cabinet clearance was turned down by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The state is now exploring legal options to gain official recognition without violating rules related to the national flag.

Activism and Appeals

Addressing other state issues, the Chief Minister urged Kannada activists not to engage in moral policing in IT and other companies, noting that the government is already working to withdraw cases against them. He also stated that Marathi-speaking residents and other non-Kannada speakers living in the state must accept the Rajyothsava and live respectfully.

Context

State flags in India have a complex legal history because the central Flag Code governs national symbols, and previous state flag proposals across the country have faced legal hurdles. The debate involves balancing regional identity and pride with the provisions of India's federal structure.