Hanuman Flag Removal Sparks Protests and Political Row in Karnataka

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defends decision, while opposition parties accuse government of 'appeasement politics'.

Protests have erupted in Keragodu village, Karnataka, after authorities removed a saffron-coloured Hanuman flag hoisted on a 108-foot flagpole, replacing it with the national flag.
The flag's removal has led to a political row between the ruling Congress party and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular), with the opposition accusing the government of 'appeasement politics'.
Residents of Keragodu and 12 neighbouring villages had funded the installation of the flag post, with reports indicating the BJP and JD(S) were also involved.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah justified the flag's removal, stating that the national flag should have been hoisted instead.
BJP workers across the state are protesting against the 'anti-Hindu policy' of the Congress government, accusing them of 'insulting' the national flag.