Karnataka thinking of officially recognizing Kannada flag, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar

File photo of Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

The Karnataka Government is thinking of officially recognizing the Kannada flag, and that the issue would be discussed in the ensuing Winter legislature session at Belagavi scheduled to commence from November 30, the Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said on Sunday (November 1, 2026).

The State Government will also issue order to enable private institutions to fly Kannada flag and it is thinking of making flying of the Kannada flag mandatory in institutions supported by the Government.

“I have hoisted the Kannada flag along with the national flag. We are eager to officially recognize the Kannada flag. This will help take the footprint of Karnataka to greater heights in India’s federal structure,” he said. He spoke on the issue to reporters near his residence and Vidhan Soudha besides in his address at the 71st Rajyothsava celebrations at Kanteerava Stadium.

“In the past, the Cabinet had cleared the proposal to officially recognize the Kannada flag and the proposal had been submitted to the Centre, which is yet to accord approval. Recently, the issue has been discussed with legal experts and another round of discussion will be held. Legal options will be explored to officially recognize the Kannada flag without dishonouring the national flag or in violation of rules pertaining to the national flag,” the Chief Minister said.

In 2018, the State Government then headed by Mr. Siddaramaiah had approved a horizontal tri colour flag with yellow, white and red with the insignia of Gandaberunda (a mythical bird and the State’s emblem) in the Centre after an expert committee set up by the Kannada and Culture Department recommended the design. The proposal was sent to the Centre since it requires an amendment to the Flag Code that governs the national flag related issues, and the Ministry of Home Affairs turned it down. Mr. Shivakumar, however, said: “There will be no addition. This (pointing at Kannada and yellow) will be our flag. This is what has been accepted by people and us.”

Further, Mr. Shivakumar said that the issue of according official status to the state flag would be discussed again in the Cabinet. “Our Government is committed to bring a legislation to ensure hoisting the state flag along with the national flag. The issue is open for discussion in public and among the legislators and it will be given a new life in the winter session. Our Government is committed for a resolution seeking official status to state flag and ensure legal protection. This is not our Government, this is your Government. The Kannada flag is the beacon of emotions of Kannadigas and it will be respected. We are taking steps to officially recognize the Kannada flag that symbolizes Kannada knowledge, culture, heritage, a culture of equality for all religions and peace.”

Mr. Shivakumar also announced that the State Government has made preparation to organize various programmes to create awareness about the eminence of Kannada for the next one year. “Kannada flag will be hoisted in all Government offices, and is thinking of making flying Kannada flags compulsory in institutions supported by the State Government. The Government will issue an order this month to enable private institutions to fly the Kannada flag.”

Asking the Kannada activists not to indulge in ‘moral policing’ in IT and other companies, the Chief Minister told presspersons,: “Marathi speaking people should also have to accept the Rajyothsava since they are living here. Those who are here (non Kannada speaking population) should live here restpectfully. When we are trying to withdraw all cases against Kannada activists, they should not indulge in moral policing. The Government is there to protect the interest of the State.”