The decision to set up a nine-member panel by Karnataka Chief Minister S. Siddaramaiah, to explore the constitutionality of an Indian state having its own flag, has opened an old debate of ‘Unity in Diversity’ versus ‘Unity through Diversity’ in India.

Siddaramaiah’s decision was immediately questioned by several political parties, including India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), terming it politically motivated a year ahead of assembly elections in Karnataka. Siddaramaiah’s critics believe that he has opened a Pandora’s Box — trying to suppress his ill-governance, which will only further chauvinistic regionalism, hurting the idea of ‘One-India-One-Nation-One-Flag’.

The Indian Constitution has always maintained that India is a ‘union of states’ and not ‘united states’ and has not prohibited states from having their separate state flags. Many Indian states already have their own insignia; some have state anthems and many celebrate the day of state formation with much fanfare. Presently Jammu and Kashmir is the only state permitted to fly its own flag under Article 370 of the Constitution that gives the state a special status. Nagaland is also in the process of getting its own flag under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution. However, as per law, the state flag must fly at a lower height than the Indian tricolour, giving credence and due importance to ‘one Constitution’.

Outside India, the concept of a state having its own flag is not new and neither considered divisive. States in countries like the United States and Germany have their own flags. Even newer federal systems in developing countries, which have privileged diversity, such as Ethiopia, Nigeria and Malaysia, have a national flag and each of the states of the federal system have their own flag. Myanmar, a much newer democracy, has its national flag and all the seven regions and seven states have their own distinct flags.

However, in India, it is a raging debate, where many believe that states having individual flags will hurt the idea of India and further parochialism, regionalism and more importantly, as Siddaramaiah is now being accused of, “soft separatism”.

Though difficult to fathom such coinage of terms, the Karnataka CM could easily be trying to flog an old horse that was once revived by the BJP, in the belief of political gains ahead of the last state elections in Karnataka. In reality, people of Karnataka have been using an unofficial flag since the 1960s during a pro-Kannada agitation. It is popularly known as the “Kannada flag”. The flag has two horizontal strips of yellow (representing turmeric) and red (vermilion). It is present even in the official website of the state government.

Immediate political gains

The flag is much more than a piece of cloth on a stick. It symbolises strength, unity, oneness and well-being of the state. It can and never will be a symbol of separatism. A demand to have a Karnataka state flag was first put forward in 1998 by the Kannada Development Authority. However, the proposal was quashed after seeking the law department’s advice.

In 2009, the then CM, B.S. Yeddyurappa, quashed a circular that enforced restrictions on hoisting the Kannada flag on government buildings. Later, in 2012, former CM S.V. Sadananda Gowda made it mandatory for government offices, schools and colleges to hoist the Kannada flag on November 1, which is celebrated as the formation day of the state. But the notification was withdrawn later that year after a legal battle.

However, those arguing vehemently against the flag score on the point that in India, most of the things are done based on immediate political gains. Questions are being raised as to what will stop people from seeking a separate constitution if they get a separate flag today? The fact is every American state has its own constitution, electoral process and even penal codes. But they still believe in the idea of the United States.

In reality, the idea of India has stood the test of time because of the collective need to survive. Every Indian knows that without the idea of India, individual states will not survive both economically and geopolitically.

It is time we move from the old belief of ‘Unity in Diversity’ to ‘Unity through Diversity’. There is no harm in recognising and celebrating the diversity that India represents by allowing differing segments, cultures to celebrate their individuality. In reality, it will only further strengthen the bonds of ownership for the idea of India, as it primarily celebrates the idea of freedom.

India’s unity will always be best preserved if it can be strengthened by multiple strands of diversity and by giving that diversity its legitimate socioeconomic space. Trying to curb the idea of diversity though promotion of one language, one culture is a risky game one should not ever be undertaken. It will further alienate a large section of people who can poison vulnerable minds leading to a much larger crisis, which will and can seriously challenge the idea of India.

Archisman Dinda is a freelance journalist based in Kolkata, India.