Kerala Minister Exits Raj Bhavan Event in Protest Against Bharat Mata Portrait Featuring Saffron Flag

On Thursday, Kerala’s Education Minister, V. Sivankutty, made headlines by walking out of an official event at Raj Bhavan. The reason? A portrait of Bharat Mata accompanied by a saffron flag being displayed at the venue.

The minister expressed concerns over this choice, suggesting that it was inappropriate for a government function. In response, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar claimed this action disrespected both him and the office he represents. He stated that the minister’s abrupt departure violated proper protocol, which requires attendees to remain until the Governor leaves.

The event in question was the Bharat Scouts and Guides Rajya Puraskar award ceremony, where the Governor was the chief guest. During his speech, the minister voiced his protest about the portrait and chose to leave.

Afterward, Sivankutty spoke to reporters, asserting, “Raj Bhavan is not the Governor’s family property. It cannot be converted into an RSS centre.” He pointed out that he hadn’t been aware of the portrait’s presence before arriving, and he believed that political symbols shouldn’t be part of an official gathering.

The Governor’s Office defended the display, criticizing the minister’s actions and suggesting that he had premeditated this confrontation. They also expressed concern for the students at the ceremony. It was noted that the incident could set a troubling example for young attendees.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first clash between the CPI(M)-led government and Raj Bhavan over the Bharat Mata portrait. In June, Agriculture Minister P. Prasad opted out of an event at Raj Bhavan for similar reasons. After he learned of the portrait’s inclusion, he decided to hold his own ceremony elsewhere.

This ongoing friction highlights deeper political tensions in Kerala. The portrait of Bharat Mata, which holds different meanings for various groups, continues to stir significant debate. While some view it as a nationalist symbol, others see it as a representation of political affiliations.

The reactions from the public on social media reflect a divided opinion. Some support the minister’s stance on maintaining the secular nature of official events, while others believe that honoring such symbols is part of national pride.

This conflict sheds light on the broader conversation around political symbolism in public spaces. In a diverse society like India, finding common ground on such issues remains a challenge. As the situation unfolds, it showcases the intricate dance of politics, culture, and identity in the state. For further reading on the impact of political symbols in society, check out this research study.

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