M Karunanidhi set off tradition of CMs unfurling tricolour on I-Day

Late DMK President M Karunanidhi was responsible for the setting of the tradition of state Chief Ministers unfurling the national flag on the occasion of Independence Day.

After India got independence, only the Governors unfurled the national flag on Republic Day and Independence Day.

In 1974, Karunanidhi as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu wrote to then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi citing the different practice in Delhi. Karunanidhi had said that during the Republic Day the Indian President unfurled the tricolour and on the Independence Day it was the Prime Minister.

He told Gandhi that Chief Ministers should have the opportunity to unfurl the tricolour on Independence Day.

Karunanidhi's suggestion was accepted by the Central government and a communication to this effect was sent to all state governments.

Ever since, chief ministers of all the states also ceremonially unfurl the tricolour on Independence Day.

Inputs by NH Web Desk