Karnataka flag row: Shiv Sena calls for the state govt.'s "suspension"

In the wake of the Karnataka government demanding a separate flag for the state, Shiv Sena on Tuesday condemned the decision and said, the state government should be suspended for such a demand, and Presidential rule should be imposed in the state.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut told ANI, "If a state puts forth a demand, which is against the constitution then it should be suspended, and Presidential rule should be imposed in the state."

Attacking the Siddaramaiah-led government, Raut said, "If, they have taken this decision based on the situation of Jammu and Kashmir then next, they would demand a separate nation. The CM would also want the Prime Minister's status".

Earlier today, the Karnataka Government had constituted a nine-member committee to submit a report to the state government on the possibility of designing a separate flag for the state.

Siddaramaiah on Tuesday, defended the demand for a separate flag for the state, asking if there is any provision in the Constitution that prohibits the state from having its own flag.

"Is there any provision in the Constitution which is prohibiting a state to have its own flag? Did BJP people come across any provision?" Siddaramaiah said.

"If the BJP does not want a flag, let them make a statement that they don't want a flag in Karnataka", he added.