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Karnataka political controversy over Independence Day duties

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2026-08-15 05:13 UTC → 2026-08-15 14:36 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Karnataka Housing Department Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan requested an exemption from hoisting the national flag during the 80th Independence Day celebrations in Vijayanagara. In a letter to Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Khan cited personal reasons, upcoming local body elections, Assembly bypolls, and party organizational work as reasons for being unable to fulfill his duties as the district in-charge minister. This request led to political friction, with the BJP accusing the minister of prioritizing party duties over national obligations. Following the controversy, the government reassigned the flag-hoisting duty to Minister K. S. Basavanthappa. In the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, BJP members characterized Khan’s request as an “insult to the nation” and demanded his removal from the cabinet. Expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal intensified the criticism, alleging that Khan insulted the national flag and the ceremony by submitting his letter of absence. Yatnal emphasized that all public representatives should respect the national anthem and flag. In response, Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister UT Khader defended Khan, stating that the Minister’s patriotism and that of the Congress party cannot be questioned. Khader clarified that Khan had officially communicated his inability to attend due to unspecified reasons or emergencies, and urged opponents not to politicize the matter.

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