Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday, 1 November 2026 announced that the state government is actively considering granting official status to the red-and-yellow Kannada flag, with formal discussions scheduled during the upcoming Winter Session of the Karnataka legislature in Belagavi. The announcement came on the sidelines of the 71st Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations at Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.

What Shivakumar Said

Speaking to reporters at the Rajyotsava event and later near his Sadashivanagar residence and the Bhuvaneshwari Devi idol at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar said the government was committed to giving legal recognition and protection to the flag without compromising the dignity and provisions governing the national flag.

'We are committed to taking another Cabinet decision, bringing in legislation and ensuring that the Kannada flag can be hoisted alongside the national flag,' he said, adding that public discussions and deliberations among legislators would be held during the Winter Session.

Legal Consultations Under Way

Shivakumar noted that the Cabinet had previously taken a decision on the matter and submitted a proposal to the Centre, but no formal recognition has been received so far. He said the government recently held discussions with legal experts and that another round of consultations was planned before any final legislative or executive action is taken.

'We are examining the legal aspects concerning the use, status, and protection of the Kannada flag,' he said, signalling that the government intends to craft a legally watertight framework before proceeding.

Mandatory Hoisting in Government Offices Proposed

Beyond recognition, Shivakumar said the government was also considering making it mandatory to hoist the Kannada flag in all government offices and institutions receiving government support. He added that an order would be issued within November 2026 encouraging private establishments to hoist the flag as part of year-long programmes marking the 71st Kannada Rajyotsava.

Significance of the Kannada Flag

The red-and-yellow flag has long been regarded as a symbol of Kannada identity, pride, and cultural heritage. Shivakumar described it as representing 'Kannada knowledge, heritage, culture, religious harmony, equality, and peace.' He also invoked the contributions of literary giants including Pampa, Kuvempu, D.R. Bendre, Shivaram Karanth, and U.R. Ananthamurthy, and noted that Kannada has a history of nearly 2,000 years, has received classical language status, and has won eight Jnanpith Awards.

Broader Context and What Comes Next

The push for an official Karnataka state flag is not new — it has gained and lost momentum across successive governments. This time, however, the Chief Minister has framed it explicitly within India's federal structure, saying the decision would 'strengthen Karnataka's identity within India's federal structure.' This comes amid a broader wave of regional identity assertion across southern states. Whether the Centre ultimately endorses a formal state flag remains the key legal and political question. The Winter Session in Belagavi — itself a symbolic choice as the border town has historical resonance for Kannada pride — is expected to give the proposal its next concrete shape.