Time to end this unsavoury spat

Houses of the legislature are hallowed institutions with their proceedings keenly watched by every citizen. So when our MLAs, who are expected to be shining examples of decency and decorum, almost come to fisticuffs in the Karnataka Assembly, one will have to seriously ponder whether it’s time to frame new rules for regulating conduct in the House.

That Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister K.S. Eshwarappa indeed touched a raw nerve by remarking that the saffron flag (Bhagwa) will some time replace the national flag on Red Fort, became obvious from the furious reactions he drew from across the political spectrum. Whether his statement has crossed the bounds of political propriety and the relevant laws is something only the courts can decide on. In the past, Eshwarappa has acquired an ‘image’ of his own for his statements targeting several leaders including Opposition Leader Siddaramaiah, who preferred to take it in his stride rather than adopt a belligerent stance vis-à-vis his fellow Kuruba.

But that cannot be expected from D.K. Shivakumar, the Vokkaliga titan known for his dominating demeanour and his penchant for taking the fight to his political rivals. The standoff in the Assembly almost turned physical before Speaker Vishveshwar Hegde Kageri had to make a hasty adjournment.

The national flag has an emotional connect with every citizen- we grow up seeing, admiring, loving and revering it as it gets embedded in our minds as a symbol of patriotism and nationhood. There is no reason why such a beautiful flag, which has evoked admiration across the globe, should be replaced as Eshwarappa has suggested. No one knows what made the veteran BJP leader come up with this no less than shocking statement, which must surely have triggered discordant voices even in his own party

The saffron flag is identified with Hindu religion and with some pro-Hindutva outfits and the propriety of having it as the national flag in a country known for its religious diversity and multi-ethnicity is something which should be left to intense debate.

If Eshwarappa was trying to score a few brownie points and not really making a strong pitch for replacing the Tricolour, one can always dismiss it as one of those harmless ‘bombshells’ he is known for. But the Congress is in no mood to relent and has found in the flag row, an ideal weapon to put the ruling BJP on the mat. And with the party planning a day and night protest inside Vidhana Soudha and insisting that ‘KSE’ as he is known, should exit the ministry, we will have to wait and watch for the outcome of this unsavoury spat.

Which brings up the troubling question: Much valuable time of the Legislature has been spent on issues which could otherwise have been devoted to fruitful debates. Two days have been lost on the flag row itself. Isn’t it time the parties involved gave up their strident stance and arrived at a consensus so that matters of public importance can be taken up in the House?