Bengaluru, August 14: Karnataka’s Housing Minister B.Z. Jamir Ahmed Khan has sparked controversy by requesting an exemption from hoisting the national flag during the Independence Day ceremony in Vijayanagar district on August 15. This has intensified political tensions, with the opposition BJP criticizing the Congress government. They argue that hoisting the tricolor is a sacred duty that should not be overlooked. The party has called for the dismissal of Jamir Ahmed Khan from the cabinet.
In a letter to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Jamir Ahmed Khan stated that he was assigned the responsibility of hoisting the national flag on Independence Day. However, he cited a lack of time due to upcoming Bengaluru municipal elections, other local body elections, and party organizational duties.
Consequently, he requested to be excused from the flag-hoisting responsibility at the Independence Day event. He also asked not to be appointed as the district in-charge minister for Vijayanagar or any other district.
In his letter, Jamir Ahmed Khan mentioned the drought situation in Vijayanagar district and noted that he had already submitted the necessary reports to the government regarding this issue.
His request comes at a time when the Karnataka government has recently undergone a cabinet expansion, leading to the redistribution of ministerial portfolios and responsibilities.
The BJP has criticized his decision, labeling it as indifference towards the national flag and the significance of Independence Day. They have demanded that the Chief Minister remove him from the cabinet.
R. Ashok, the leader of the opposition in the Karnataka Assembly and a senior BJP leader, launched a scathing attack on the Congress government. He stated, “The Congress shamelessly prioritizes party politics over the nation. Hoisting the tricolor on Independence Day is not just an administrative duty; it symbolizes respect and duty towards the nation.”
Ashok accused B.Z. Jamir Ahmed Khan of showing complete disrespect for the country by seeking exemption from hoisting the national flag. He argued that citing election preparations and party activities as reasons for not participating in the Independence Day ceremony is inappropriate.
He emphasized that hoisting the national flag on Independence Day is a “sacred duty,” and attempting to evade this responsibility indicates that Jamir Ahmed Khan and the Congress government prioritize electoral calculations over national duties.
Ashok has urged Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to dismiss Jamir from the cabinet, stating that the way the minister has disrespected the tricolor has brought dishonor to both the state and the flag.
He also criticized Congress’s top leadership and Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi regarding this issue, demanding an apology to the nation.
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