Tensions between the Kerala government and Raj Bhavan escalated on Thursday after State Education Minister V. Sivankutty walked out of an official event at the Governor’s residence. He protested against the display of a controversial RSS-style image of Bharat Mata.
The protest came hours after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly criticised Raj Bhavan for allowing the image at a government function. Sivankutty addressed the media after the event and explained his decision.
He said he had accepted an invitation to deliver a speech at a certificate distribution ceremony by the Indian Scout and Guides. “However, upon arrival, I saw the Governor and others lighting a lamp and paying floral tributes to an RSS-style image of Bharat Mata,” he said.
“When my turn to speak came, I began by expressing protest to the Governor. I clearly stated that such an image was not acceptable at a government function. I then walked out in protest,” Sivankutty said.
He clarified that if the image had been of Mahatma Gandhi or even Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it would have been acceptable. “But this particular depiction of Bharat Mata, with RSS connotations, has no place in a government function,” he added.
Minister Accuses Governor of Ideological Imposition
Sivankutty accused Governor Rajendra V Arlekar of trying to turn Raj Bhavan into an “RSS outlet.” He said the Governor had shown more ideological rigidity than his predecessor, Arif Mohammed Khan.
“If this continues, the state government may withdraw from all Raj Bhavan events,” he warned. “I could have walked out with the children, too, but I refrained out of decency. Raj Bhavan is not private property,” he added.
In response, Raj Bhavan issued a statement calling the Minister’s action a clear protocol violation. It said his conduct did not reflect well on his office.
The statement noted that ministers must arrive on time and stay until the event ends when the Governor is present. It also claimed that Sivankutty arrived late and left early, breaching protocol.
Prior Controversy Over Same Image at Raj Bhavan
Raj Bhavan also pointed out that Sivankutty’s remarks came from a prepared note, suggesting premeditated action. This is not the first controversy involving the same image. Earlier this month, Agriculture Minister P. Prasad skipped a Raj Bhavan event on World Environment Day for the same reason.
The state government had hastily arranged a parallel event at the Secretariat. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Vijayan’s statement from Wednesday night came under scrutiny. He had claimed Raj Bhavan had assured him the image would not be used again. That assurance appeared to be ignored.
Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan blamed the Chief Minister for the latest episode. “This could have been avoided if he had taken a firm stand earlier. His silence after Environment Day sent the wrong message,” Satheesan said.
As the controversy deepens, it has further strained ties between the ruling LDF and Raj Bhavan. Both sides now trade charges over constitutional propriety and ideological bias.
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