Belagavi building tallest flagpost, biggest tricolour

Belagavi: Belagavi is building the country's tallest flagpole, that will sport its biggest tricolour,  to mark the birth anniversary of erstwhile Mysuru ruler, Tipu Sultan. While the BJP has kicked up a row over the government’s decision to celebrate Tipu Jayanti, it has sanctioned funds for the 110 -ft tall flag pole with its 8000 sq. ft flag, which will be ready for installation near Fort Lake at the entrance to Belgavi city in about two months.

Said Belagavi MLA, Feroz Sait, who came up with the idea, “The pole is being installed to mark the birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan, a patriotic warrior who fought against the British.  The project will cost Rs 5 crore.”The MLA explained that the decision to have the biggest tricolour fluttering in Belagavi skies was taken considering the district’s huge contribution to the Independence struggle. “A large number of freedom fighters from Belagavi participated in the freedom movement alongside Mahatma Gandhi,” he recalled.

Starting from the first war of Independence waged by Rani Chennamma in the early 18th century, Belagavi has been known for its key role in the freedom movement. Mahatma Gandhi presided over the Congress plenary session in Tilakwadi in 1924,  which gave a call to  Indian youth to take on the British. Stalwarts of the freedom movement like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru , Sarojini Naidu and Balgangadhar Tilak were present at the plenary session. The government later built a Veerasoudha at the site of the Congress plenary in Tilakwadi. The Veerasoudha houses a massive well, which was dug by freedom fighters of Belagavi to provide drinking water to those attending the session.