Karnataka Considers Official Recognition of Kannada Flag: Chief Minister DK Shivakumar

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. File | Photo credit: J. Allen Egenuse

The Karnataka government is considering official recognition of the Kannada flag and the issue will be discussed in the next winter legislative session in Belagavi, scheduled to begin on November 30, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Sunday (Nov 1, 2026).

The state government will also issue an order to allow private institutions to display the Kannada flag and is considering making the display of the Kannada flag mandatory in government-aided institutions.

Also Read: Congress to return to power in 2028, says Shivakumar

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

“In the past, the cabinet has approved a proposal for official recognition of the Kannada flag and the proposal has been submitted to the Centre, which is yet to approve it. Recently, the matter was discussed with legal experts and another round of discussion will be held. Legal options will be explored to officially recognize the Kannada flag without desecrating the national flag or violating the national flag rules,” the chief minister said.

In 2018, the state government headed by Mr. Siddaramaiah approved a horizontal tricolor flag with yellow, white and red colors with the Gandaberunda (mythical bird and national emblem) badge at the center after an expert committee set up by the Kannada and Culture Department recommended the design. The proposal was sent to the Center as it requires an amendment to the flag code that governs matters related to the national flag and was rejected by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). However, Mr Shivakumar said, “There will be no amendment. This (pointing to Kannada and yellow) will be our flag. This is what the people and we have accepted.”

Further, Mr. Shivakumar said that the issue of giving official status to the national flag will be discussed again in the Cabinet. “Our government is determined to bring legislation to ensure that the national flag is flown along with the national flag. This matter is open for debate in the public and among legislators and will be given new life in the winter session. Our government is determined to pass a resolution to get the official status of the national flag and provide legal protection. This is not our government, this is your government. The Kannada flag is a beacon that officially recognizes the actions and emotions of a Kannadiga. The Kannada flag that symbolizes Kannada knowledge, culture, heritage, culture of equality for all religions and peace.”

Mr. Shivakumar also announced that the state government has made preparations to organize various programs to create awareness about the eminence of Kannada for the next year. “The Kannada flag will be hoisted in all government offices and the government is considering making Kannada flags mandatory in state government-aided institutions. The government will issue an order this month to allow private institutions to hoist the Kannada flag.”

Requesting Kannada activists not to engage in “moral policing” in IT and other companies, the chief minister told reporters, “Marathi speaking people should also accept Rajyothsava because they live here. Those who are here (non-Kannada speaking population) should live here with respect. When we try to withdraw all moral activists against Kannada Govt. there to protect the interests of the state.”

Published – 01 Nov 2026 13:12 IST