A political controversy erupted in Karnataka after district in-charge minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan reportedly requested exemption from Independence Day flag-hoisting duties in Vijayanagara district. The development triggered criticism from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused the minister of showing disrespect towards the national festival and demanded his removal from the state Cabinet. The issue also sparked heated exchanges between the BJP and the ruling Congress during proceedings in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. The controversy attracted attention as Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremonies are important official occasions observed across the country. Following the dispute, the state government reassigned the responsibility for the flag-hoisting ceremony in Vijayanagara district to Minister K.S. Basavanthappa. The episode highlighted tensions between the ruling party and the opposition over ministerial responsibilities and public accountability. The incident also drew attention to the administrative arrangements made by the state government for conducting Independence Day celebrations across Karnataka’s districts.
