On Friday, Karnataka BJP leaders criticized Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan for allegedly seeking exemption from hoisting the Tricolour during Independence Day celebrations in Bengaluru. Khan reportedly cited party organisational work and bypolls as reasons for his request to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The Congress has denied these allegations. Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, targeted Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, demanding an apology for the alleged attitude of prioritizing party power over national interests. Ashoka accused Khan of placing party politics above the National Flag and Independence Day celebrations, calling it an anti-national stance. The BJP leader questioned Khan’s request, given the government’s provision of necessary facilities for ministers to attend official programmes. Ashoka recalled the sacrifices of freedom fighters and deemed it inappropriate for a minister to claim lack of time for hoisting the Tricolour. He also questioned Chief Minister Shivakumar’s decision to retain Khan in the Cabinet. Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra also criticised Khan, stating that hoisting the National Flag is a minister’s duty, not a matter of choice.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Mangalorean News