Archive · 15 Aug 2026
Karnataka Minister Seeks Flag Exemption; Basavanthappa To Hoist Tricolour
India celebrates its Independence Day on August 15 every year.
On this day, important leaders raise the national flag in ceremonies.
In Karnataka, Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan was supposed to hoist the flag in his district.
He wrote a letter to the Chief Minister asking to be excused from this duty.
He said he was busy with upcoming elections and party work.
The Chief Minister accepted his request and gave the job to another minister, KS Basavanthappa.
Basavanthappa will raise the flag at the district stadium in Hosapete at 9 am, according to one report.
Some leaders from the opposition BJP were very unhappy about this decision.
They said hoisting the flag is an honour and a duty for every citizen and especially for ministers.
They accused Zameer of disrespecting the national flag and asked for action against him.
Karnataka Housing Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan sought exemption from hoisting the national flag at Independence Day celebrations and from staying on as a district in-charge minister.
In an August 13 letter to Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Zameer cited upcoming local body elections including BBMP, an Assembly by-election and party organisational activities as the reasons.
Minister KS Basavanthappa was assigned to hoist the flag at the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the district stadium in Hosapete at 9 am on August 15, according to one report.
A second report says Basavanthappa was shifted from Udupi to Vijayapura for the duty, with Rizwan Arshad taking charge of Udupi; the articles conflict on the district involved.
BJP leaders, including MP Captain Brijesh Chowta, Chief Whip Sunil Kumar and opposition leader R Ashok, accused Zameer of disrespecting the national flag and demanded action.
- Who
- Housing Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan (district in-charge), Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Minister KS Basavanthappa, and BJP critics Captain Brijesh Chowta, Sunil Kumar and R Ashok.
- What
- Zameer sought exemption from hoisting the national flag at Independence Day celebrations and from his district in-charge role; the duty was reassigned to Basavanthappa, drawing BJP criticism.
- When
- Zameer's exemption letter was dated August 13; the flag-hoisting ceremony is set for August 15 at 9 am.
- Where
- One report says the district stadium in Hosapete, Vijayanagara district; another report says Vijayapura district (the articles conflict on the location).
- Why
- Zameer cited upcoming BBMP/Greater Bengaluru Authority elections, an Assembly by-election and party organisational activities, saying he lacked time for the ceremony and district duties.
BJP Criticism
Minister's Rationale
Exemption from Independence Day flag duty
BJP Criticism
BJP leaders said seeking exemption shows disrespect to the national flag and the sacrifices of freedom fighters. Chowta said respecting the Tricolour is the responsibility of every citizen and especially of ministers; Sunil Kumar called the move 'anti-national' and R Ashok demanded strict action.
Minister's Rationale
Zameer said upcoming local body elections including BBMP/Greater Bengaluru Authority, an Assembly by-election and party organisational activities meant he would not have sufficient time to attend the Independence Day programme or discharge district in-charge responsibilities.
Giving up the district role while keeping Cabinet status
BJP Criticism
Chowta criticised Zameer for seeking relief from district in-charge responsibility while continuing to enjoy Cabinet-rank status and facilities, and questioned the Chief Minister's decision to accept the request.
Minister's Rationale
Zameer explained he expected several elections and party activities ahead and noted he had already submitted his report after being assigned to study the drought situation in the district.
- Minister seeking exemption
- BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, Karnataka Housing and Wakf Minister
- New flag-hoisting minister
- KS Basavanthappa
- Event
- 80th Independence Day celebrations
- Venue
- District stadium, Hosapete (one report); Vijayapura (another report)
- Date and time
- August 15, 9 am
- Exemption letter date
- August 13
- Reasons cited
- BBMP/Greater Bengaluru Authority elections, Assembly by-election, party organisational activities
- Main critics
- Captain Brijesh Chowta, Sunil Kumar, R Ashok
