Karnataka: BJP flays Siddaramaiah for taking unilateral decision on state flag

After lashing out at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Congress government in Karnataka, the BJP today lambasted the government for its failures and the deteriorating law and order situation

BS Yeddyurappa, BJP state president, said that his party is not opposed to having a separate flag but flayed Siddaramaiah for taking a unilateral decision, without taking into confidence the Opposition leaders.

"Our party is not opposed to Karnataka having a separate flag. But Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has taken a unilateral decision without consulting the Opposition leaders," Yeddyurappa said during a protest organised by the party.

However, BS Yeddyurappa toed the 'One Nation, One Flag,' stand of BJP's central leadership.

Commenting on whether Siddaramaiah brought this up to gain extra votes and politicise the issue, Yeddyurappa said, "That is for everyone to see. I need not tell. The unilateral decision taken by Siddaramaiah is unconstitutional".

Siddaramaiah had on Tuesday brushed aside criticism on this being an election gimmick. He said that elections are scheduled for 2019 and it is nothing but a baseless allegation and a ploy to politicise the issue by the Opposition.

The CM had also dared the BJP to come out in the open against a separate state flag.

"Having a flag of our own is certainly not against nationalism or integrity. By doing this, respect for the Tricolour will not diminish, we all give it due respect. The national flag will be always on top, there is no question of hoisting any other flag atop it," the CM added justifying the move to have a state flag.

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