‘Naada Dhwaja’ issue put on hold due to election code of conduct

Bengaluru: A day after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah challenged Prime Minister Modi to become  a genuine Kannadiga by affirming the official flag for the state, the Home Ministry cleared up that the state's demand has been put on hold as the model code of conduct has came into drive for the upcoming Assembly elections on May 12. 

An official representative said "The plea for a different flag was received from Karnataka. Since the model code of conduct has come into force, the thought has been put on hold," 

On Monday, a day prior to Modi's visit to Karnataka Siddaramaiah took to Twitter and addressed Modi in the event that he would approve the state flag now that he had proclaimed himself as a Kannadiga. 

“Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has declared himself a Kannadiga. Becoming Kannadiga means accepting Kannada language, naada geete (state anthem), naadadwaja (state flag). “Will you become true Kannadiga by giving approval to Karnataka’s nada dwaja? #AnswerMadiModi,” Siddaramaiah tweeted in Kannada.

He further asked if the PM will resolve the Mahadeyi water issue and if Kannadigas would be permitted to write bank exams in Kannada. 

It might be reviewed that on 8 March this year, Siddaramaiah had unvieled the proposed 'Naada Dhwaja' (official state flag) according to the suggestions of a committee headed by prominent Kannada author Hampa Nagarajaiah. The state's flag, in tones of yellow, white and red, has the state's image 'Gandaberunda', a two-headed mythological bird, at its center.