Bengaluru, August 14: The Karnataka BJP criticized Minister B.Z. Jamir Ahmed Khan on Friday. Allegations surfaced that he requested an exemption from hoisting the national flag during Independence Day celebrations, citing his busy schedule with party organizational tasks and by-elections. However, Congress has dismissed these claims.
The ruling party came to Jamir’s defense. U.T. Khader, the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Minority Affairs, Haj, and Waqf, rejected the BJP’s accusations. He stated that Jamir holds a deep respect for the country and asserted that no BJP leader can match his patriotism. Khader remarked, “No BJP leader loves the country as much as Minister Jamir does. There is no room for criticism. Jamir is a leader who mingles with everyone and brings people together.”
Khader also refuted claims that Jamir had stated he would not hoist the national flag. The controversy began when Jamir wrote to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, requesting to be excused from the responsibility of flag hoisting due to his busy schedule. This request sparked a political clash between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP. The BJP also targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha, demanding an apology.
Opposition leader R. Ashok criticized Congress MP Gandhi on Friday, alleging that such behavior is part of Congress’s culture. He called for an apology from both Gandhi and the Congress leadership, stating, “Rahul Gandhi and the Congress leadership prioritize party power over the nation; they should apologize to the people of Karnataka.”
Ashok accused Jamir of placing party politics and electoral calculations above the national flag and Independence Day celebrations. He stated, “Those who lack the will to hoist the national flag are nothing but anti-national elements in this government. Has party politics become more important than the sacred duty of showing respect for the flag on Independence Day?”
Questioning Jamir’s request for exemption, Ashok emphasized that the government provides all necessary facilities for ministers to attend official events. He remarked, “I don’t understand what bigger task he has besides hoisting the national flag. The government arranges everything for their arrival and stay.”
He recalled the sacrifices made by freedom fighters for the country’s independence, stating that it is inappropriate for any minister to claim they do not have time to hoist the flag. Ashok also questioned Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s decision to keep Jamir in the cabinet, asking, “What is CM Shivakumar doing by retaining this minister in the cabinet? Isn’t this an insult to the nation? Isn’t this a disregard for the Constitution? How will CM Shivakumar ensure governance?”
He added that if elected representatives hesitate to participate in Independence Day celebrations, the public will determine the consequences. Former Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai also criticized Jamir, claiming that his influence within the Congress has diminished since the Davanagere by-election.
Bommai stated, “After the Davanagere by-election, Jamir Ahmed has lost all respect in the party and government. This is evident at every step. Today, he is refusing to take on the role of district in-charge minister and will likely decline many more responsibilities in the future.”
BJP state president and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra emphasized that hoisting the national flag is the minister’s duty, not a matter of personal choice.
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