Udupi DC clarifies saffron flag row during Krishna Matha Paryaya procession; political reactions intensify
Udupi: A controversy has erupted over the display of a saffron flag during the Paryaya procession at the Sri Krishna Matha in Udupi, with District Commissioner T.K. Swaroopa clarifying that her participation in the event was strictly in her official capacity and carried no political intent.
The clarification comes after the Udupi District Congress Committee wrote to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking action against the DC, alleging violation of constitutional and service norms. The incident occurred on January 18 during the grand Paryaya procession, a centuries-old religious tradition marking the transfer of administrative and religious control of the Krishna Matha.
In an official statement, DC Swaroopa said she was present as part of her official duties. “As the Udupi District Commissioner, I flagged off the Swamiji’s Pura Pravesha at around 3 am on January 18 as part of the biennial Paryayotsava of Sri Krishna Matha.
I also participated in the felicitation programme of the new Paryaya Swamiji and the Darbar held after he ascended the Sarvajna Peetha. There was no political motivation behind my participation,” she stated.
The January 18 Paryaya marked the ceremonial transfer of responsibility to the Shirur Matha, with Sri Vedavardhana Theertha Swamiji assuming charge as the pontiff for the 2026–28 term.
However, the issue turned political after Harish Shetty, president of the Legal and Human Rights Cell of the Udupi District Congress Committee, wrote to the Chief Minister alleging impropriety. In his letter, Shetty claimed that before the procession began, Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna handed over an RSS flag to the DC, who then hoisted and displayed it publicly.
“This act violates government service rules and goes against the secular principles enshrined in the Constitution. It is highly objectionable, and I urge the government to order a proper inquiry and initiate legal action,” Shetty wrote.
Responding sharply to the Congress demand, BJP leader C.T. Ravi defended the district commissioner and accused the Congress of harbouring an anti-Hindu mindset. “Is there a ban on the bhagwa flag, or is it the flag of Pakistan?” Ravi asked. “The saffron flag inspires millions. It symbolises sacrifice and courage. Hoisting it is not a crime, and the district commissioner has committed no offence.”
He further added, “Read the Constitution carefully. It carries the message of Lord Rama, Lord Krishna and Lord Buddha. Not a single terrorist has emerged from the saffron ideology—it has always stood for sacrifice and bravery.”
As the debate continues, the incident has once again highlighted the sensitive intersection of religion, administration and politics in Karnataka’s coastal region.
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