Karnataka government considering official recognition for Kannada flag

The Karnataka government is seriously considering granting official recognition to the state's Kannada flag. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar made this important announcement on Sunday, 1 November, 2026. He stated that an official discussion on this subject will be held during the upcoming winter assembly session, which is set to commence from 30 November in Belagavi.

Shivakumar provided this information while speaking to journalists during the 71st Statehood Day celebrations organised at his residence, near Vidhana Soudha, and at Kanteerava Stadium. He said that he has hoisted the Kannada flag alongside the national flag and is eager to grant official recognition to the Kannada flag. According to him, this step will help elevate Karnataka's position within India's federal structure.

As per the government's plan, an order will be issued this month to permit private organisations to hoist the Kannada flag as well. Additionally, there is a consideration to make hoisting the Kannada flag mandatory in organisations aided by the state government. The government is committed to bringing a law through the legislative process to ensure the hoisting of the state flag alongside the national flag.

Providing information in a historical context, Shivakumar stated that during the previous Siddaramaiah government, a horizontal tricolour flag of yellow, white, and red colours, with Gandaberunda (a mythical bird and the state symbol) at its centre, was approved based on the recommendation of an expert committee formed by the Department of Kannada and Culture. This proposal was sent to the Central Government as it required an amendment to the 'Flag Code' which governs matters related to the national flag, but the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) rejected it. However, Shivakumar clarified that no further changes will be made now, and the yellow and Kannada flag accepted by the people will remain.

The Chief Minister added that legal options will be explored to grant official recognition to the Kannada flag in a manner that ensures respect for the national flag is maintained and rules regarding the national flag are not violated. Discussions with legal experts on this subject have recently taken place, and another round of discussion will be organised. The subject will be discussed in the Cabinet once again.

Expressing an emotional connection to the Kannada flag, Shivakumar said that the Kannada flag is a symbol of the sentiments of Kannadigas and will be respected. This flag is a symbol of Kannada knowledge, culture, heritage, and a culture of equality and peace for all religions. The government is committed to giving this flag official status and providing it with legal protection.

Additionally, the state government has also made preparations to organise various programmes over the coming year to create awareness about the importance of Kannada. The Kannada flag will be hoisted in all government offices. According to a report by The Economic Times, the decision to allow the state flag to be hoisted in private companies has been taken amidst disputes regarding local employment in the IT and manufacturing sectors.

The Chief Minister also requested Kannada activists not to engage in 'moral policing' in IT and other companies. He said that those who live here, such as Marathi-speaking people, should also accept the Statehood Day while residing here. Those who settle here should live respectfully. While the government is attempting to withdraw all cases against Kannada activists, they should not engage in such interference. He emphasised that the government is present to protect the interests of the state.

On the other hand, regarding the issue of local employment, the pro-Kannada group KRV will collect data regarding the employment of Kannadigas in companies across the state. The government is currently looking into recent complaints regarding discriminatory recruitment processes.