Bengaluru:

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai accused Congress of violating the flag code in the Assembly yesterday. The Chief Minister accused Congress of failing to act responsibly as an opposition party.

His remarks follow a protest in the Assembly by Congress leaders holding the national flag, demanding the resignation of state minister K S Eshwarappa, whose alleged claims of hoisting the saffron flag at the Red Fort sparked controversy in the state.

They displayed the national flag in the House well. There is a flag code that specifies how it must be used. We must treat the national flag with dignity. The flag code has been violated by Congress. It's being watched. "Congress has failed to act as a responsible Opposition party," Mr Bommai told the media.

Mr Bommai stated in response to Mr Eshwarappa's statements that the Congress leaders are selectively quoting only a portion of the minister's statement and thus misleading the Assembly and the people of the state. "Eshwarappa has issued an explanation." He did not say the saffron flag would be raised at the Red Fort right away, but rather in 300 or 500 years. He stated that it could or could not happen. He also stated that the national flag has been accepted and that no one should disrespect it. "From a legal standpoint, Eshwarappa has made no mistakes and no action can be taken against him," he added.
Mr Eshwarappa sparked controversy yesterday when he said that the saffron flag could become the national flag in the future and would be unfurled at the Red Fort.
"Not today, but perhaps in 100, 200, or 500 years, the saffron flag will become the national flag." People used to laugh over the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Are we not building the temple now? Now Hindutva is being discussed in the country," Mr Eshwarappa had told media persons.