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Time of India
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
No official version of Bharat Mata portrait, so cannot be allowed in govt events: Kerala government
The Left government in Kerala on Friday made it clear that it was not in agreement with the use of the Bharat Mata portrait at the Environment Day event at the Raj Bhavan here as the picture was not authorised as the official version by the Constitution or the Indian government. Kerala Agriculture Minister P Prasad , who boycotted the event at the Raj Bhavan a day ago over the use of the portrait, said that those in constitutional offices cannot convert government programmes into political events . A similar view was also expressed by state General Education Minister V Sivankutty who said that the Raj Bhavan and the Governor were above politics and said that Arlekar should withdraw from the stand taken by him. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like El patrimonio de Palito Ortega conmociona al mundo. Boite A Scoop Undo The government's stand came a day after Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar asserted that there would be no compromise on Bharat Mata. Prasad, while talking to a TV channel, said that no Bharat Mata portrait has ever been acknowledged as the official or authorised version by the Constitution or any of the governments in power since independence. Live Events He further said that the portrait about to be used at the event was not carrying the Indian flag, but that of a political organisation, and therefore, it could not be honoured during a government event. The minister said that the particular political organisation and the Governor were free to pay homage to the portrait at private events, but it cannot be done in state government programmes. "We all have a political view, but those in constitutional positions have restrictions on how they express it," he added. He said that the government view was that such a stand ought not to have been taken by a constitutional establishment and expressed hope that it will be corrected by the concerned persons. "It actually should not be repeated in our country. We cannot accept it in Kerala," he added. The minister also questioned why the Governor was "rigid" on the issue, when none of the earlier Governors in the state and not even the Presidents of the country have carried out such a practice in the past. For the World Environment Day event, the Raj Bhavan came out with a minute-to-minute programme, but it initially did not have anything about paying floral tributes to the portrait of Bharat Mata, he said. On eve of the programme, a new schedule was sent to us and it included the paying of floral tribute to Bharat Mata portrait. "So, I enquired with the Raj Bhavan about the floral tributes and asked them to send me a picture of the portrait. The portrait was the one used by the RSS and was not recognised or authorised as an official version, I informed the Raj Bhavan that we cannot offer floral tributes to it," he said. The minister said that the Raj Bhavan in response said they cannot remove the portrait. On being told that the opposition was criticising the lack of response on the issue by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Prasad said that the Congress-led UDF was trying to gain political mileage out of it especially in view of the upcoming bypoll in Nilambur assembly constituency. After knowing Raj Bhavan's stand, the state government relocated the event to the Secretariat's Durbar Hall and the Raj Bhavan went ahead with its programme. Later, in a statement issued by the Raj Bhavan, the Governor said, "Whatever be the pressure, from whichever quarters, there will be no compromise whatsoever on Bharat Mata." In his speech at the Raj Bhavan programme, the Governor said two ministers--state Education Minister and Agriculture Minister--had agreed to attend the function but they did not turn up for the event. While Sangh outfit Bharatiya Vichara Kendram strongly backed the Governor, the ruling CPI(M) and the Congress criticised the Raj Bhavan on the matter.
India Today
21 hours ago
- Politics
- India Today
Kerala Minister skips Raj Bhavan event over RSS-linked Bharat Mata picture
A fresh row has erupted between the Kerala government and the Raj Bhavan after the Agriculture Department shifted an Environment Day programme from the Governor's official residence to the Secretariat. The move came after a disagreement over the use of a 'Bharat Mata' image, which Agriculture Minister P Prasad claimed was associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).The event, organised by the state government as part of its World Environment Day celebrations, was originally scheduled to be held at the Raj Bhavan. However, a last-minute directive from Raj Bhavan requested the use of a particular 'Bharat Mata' picture, along with floral offerings before it. The minister claimed the picture was not the typical 'Bharat Mata' image used in official or cultural events but one that is symbolically linked to the usually dress children as Bharat Mata or use commonly accepted pictures for such events. But the governor's office sent us a picture that is used exclusively by the RSS. It is unconstitutional to display such a politically charged symbol in a government event under a constitutional office,' Prasad said. He added that while individual political beliefs are respected, a government programme at Raj Bhavan cannot include symbolism associated with a particular organisation. As the government could not agree to the condition, it shifted the programme to the Satheeshan, Leader of Opposition in Kochi, criticised Raj Bhavan's stance, recalling earlier incidents where RSS figures were invited to speak at the governor's residence and allegedly insulted former prime ministers.'Raj Bhavan should not become a hub for RSS activities. The governor is a constitutional post and head of state; such conditions are unacceptable,' he said, questioning the silence of the Chief Minister and ruling party on the Bhavan was yet to officially comment on the InMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Kerala
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Charting the path to New Kerala: CM leads 4th anniversary celebrations in Alappuzha
Minister P Prasad inaugurated the 'Ente Keralam' Exhibition Marketing Fair at Alappuzha Beach, with minister Saji Cherian presiding. Also seen are MLAs H Salam, PP Chitharanjan, MS Arun Kumar, municipal chairperson KK Jayamma, district panchayat president KG Rajeshwari, and district collector Alex Varghese. The fourth anniversary celebrations of the Kerala state government officially commenced in Alappuzha with a district-level meeting inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan . The event took place at the Camelot Convention Centre, Pathirappally. Addressing the gathering, the chief minister emphasised that the government is making dedicated efforts to realise the vision of Nava Kerala ( New Kerala )—a progressive and inclusive future for the state. The district-level meeting was part of the government's ongoing statewide outreach to mark four years of its current term. Around 500 representatives from various sectors participated in the session, including beneficiaries of government schemes, labour representatives, youth, students, achievers from cultural and sports fields, professionals, entrepreneurs, expatriates, and community leaders. Prominent attendees included ministers Saji Cherian (fisheries and culture), KB Ganesh Kumar (transport), MLAs PP Chitharanjan, H Salam, Daleema, Thomas K Thomas, MS Arun Kumar, U Pratibha, vice chairman of the state planning board Dr VK Ramachandran, district panchayat president KG Rajeshwari, district collector Alex Varghese, special officer Dr Sharmila Mary Joseph, ADM Asha C Abraham, and district information officer KS Sumesan. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Trend Lets Indians Access Benefits Up to ₹2,00,00,000 India News Learn More Undo Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the district-level meeting at Camelot Convention Centre, Pathirappally, Alappuzha, as part of the fourth anniversary celebrations of the Left Democratic Front government. Later in the day, minister P Prasad inaugurated the Ente Keralam (My Kerala) exhibition and trade fair at Alappuzha Beach The exhibition ran from May 6 to May 12daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The event featured approximately 200 service and commercial stalls, showcasing a wide range of services and projects from state government departments. Highlights included a food festival, themed stalls, a children's play area, seminars, a dog show, a tourism exhibition, a screening of the Ente Keralam documentary by the public relations department (PRD), and an agricultural marketing fair. Cultural performances took place every evening from 7:00 PM onwards. Entry was free to the public. eente keralam programme inauguration at alappuzha minister p prasad ആലപ്പുഴ ബീച്ചിൽ നടക്കുന്ന എൻ്റെ കേരളം പ്രദർശന വിപണന മേളയിൽ ഉണ്ടായ തിരക്ക് LDF Govt 4th year celebration chief minister pinarayi vijayan @- alappuzha- The state government invited all citizens to take part in the celebrations and witness the progress and development initiatives being carried out under the Nava Kerala vision. Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
