Bharat Mata row: Kerala Minister walks out of event, Raj Bhavan calls it ‘grave insult' to Governor

The Hindu

5 hours ago

Kerala's General Education Minister V. Sivankutty walked out from an official function at Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday (June 19, 2025) in protest against the display of an image of Bharat Mata, associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Raj Bhavan, in a statement, later said the Minister's action was 'a gross violation of protocol and a grave insult to the office of the Governor.' Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said there is 'no question of doing away with Bharat Mata.'
The latest face-off between Raj Bhavan and Kerala State government comes hardly a day after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the Governor's office should not be used to promote the ideological agenda of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), referring to the display of images linked to the RSS at Raj Bhavan.
Earlier this month, Agriculture Minister P. Prasad had skipped the government's Environment Day celebrations at Raj Bhavan over the display of a saffron flag-holding Bharat Matha astride a lion at Raj Bhavan's central hall, where the event was to be held.
After leaving the Kerala State Bharat Scouts and Guides Rajya Puraskar award ceremony at Raj Bhavan, Mr. Sivankutty said in a statement that the Governor should remember that patriotism in India meant upholding Constitutional values, protecting the dignity of every citizen, and preserving the diversity that defines the country.
'It is essential to ensure that Indian nationalism is not founded on a single cultural image, but on the inclusive and democratic vision enshrined in our Constitution. The Governor should clarify whether the Sangh Parivar's Bharat Mata concept recognises the borders of the country. India is not a monolithic entity built around any symbol, form or image. Our republic was born from a conscious decision to assert a pluralistic, federal and secular political identity. Calling the image of a woman carrying a saffron flag as the sole symbol of Indian patriotism ignores this fundamental reality. To suggest that patriotism should be viewed only through a single cultural perspective is not only simplistic, but also undermines the rich history of our freedom struggle,' said Mr. Sivankutty.
The statement from Raj Bhavan said the Minister, who is sworn in by the Governor declaring allegiance to the Constitution, has by this public display of misconduct, openly insulted the Governor personally besides the office of the Governor.
'The Minister did not even bother to inform the Governor about his abrupt exit. As per protocol, even anyone amongst the audience, leave alone those sharing the dais with the Governor is barred from leaving until and unless the Governor leaves the venue. The Minister has come with a prepared speech which he chose to read out - a clear indication of his preparedness for an impending showdown. It is a pity that the Education minister of the state admitted to the audience that the portrait of Bharat Mata is not familiar to him. Rajbhavan views today's developments with utmost concern,' said the statement.
Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan said Raj Bhavan 'should not be turned into an RSS centre.'
Such incidents are being repeated because the government is not ready to express its protest. The government should mark its protest with the Governor, not with the media, he said.
Declaration of war: CPI
Communist Party of India (CPI) State secretary Binoy Viswam said the Governor's repeated actions akin to an RSS Swayamsevak was 'a declaration of war' on the Constitution and the people of Kerala.
The Governor's actions should be based on the Constitution, not Vicharadhara, he added.