Congress Demands Action Against Udupi DC for Waving Saffron Flag

A fresh controversy has erupted in Karnataka after the District Congress Committee demanded disciplinary action against Udupi Deputy Commissioner T K Swaroopa for allegedly waving a saffron flag during the Paryaya Procession on January 18, 2026. The Udupi District Congress Legal and Human Rights Cell wrote to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing the senior IAS officer of violating service rules and constitutional secular principles by publicly raising what they described as an “RSS flag” handed to her by BJP MLA Yashpal Suvarna.

The incident occurred early morning ahead of the ceremonial procession from Jodu Katte to Sri Krishna Math in Udupi, part of the biennial Paryayotsava. During the flag-off of the Puraprevesh programme and later events honouring the new paryaya Swamiji of Shiroor Matha, Swaroopa reportedly participated actively while holding and waving the saffron flag. Congress leaders argued that a government official participating in such a manner compromises neutrality and impartiality required under service conduct rules.

Responding to the allegations on January 22, Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa issued a detailed clarification. She stated that she attended the Paryaya events strictly in her official capacity as Administrator of Udupi City Council, performing customary duties such as flagging off the procession at 3:00 am and participating in the civic honour and Durbar programmes. “There was no politically motivated participation,” she emphasized, insisting her actions were part of protocol for the religious and cultural occasion.

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The Paryaya festival, a centuries-old tradition established by Sri Madhwacharya in the 13th century, involves the eight Ashta Mathas of Udupi taking turns to manage the famous Sri Krishna Temple for two-year terms. The January 18 event marked the handover to Shiroor Matha, with Sri Vedavardhana Tirtha Swamiji assuming administrative and ritual responsibilities for 2026-2028. Saffron flags are commonly associated with the occasion and the broader Hindu tradition in the region.

The Congress complaint has reignited debates over the boundaries between official duties at religious events and perceived political symbolism, especially in a state known for its secular ethos and competitive politics. Authorities are yet to announce any formal inquiry, but the episode has drawn attention to the role of bureaucrats in culturally significant public functions.

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