NewKerala.com

Key Points

A significant political standoff emerged in Kerala when Agriculture Minister P. Prasad boycotted the state's World Environment Day celebrations at Raj Bhavan over an RSS-style Bharat Mata picture. The minister, supported by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, argued that the image was inappropriate for an official state function and unconstitutional. As a result, two separate state-level events were organized, with the Governor hosting one event and the state government conducting another at the State Secretariat. This incident highlights the ongoing ideological tensions between political parties in Kerala.

Key Points: Kerala Minister Boycotts Event Over RSS Bharat Mata Picture

  • Political dispute erupts over Bharat Mata picture at official state event
  • Governor Arlekar refuses to remove RSS-style image
  • Separate World Environment Day celebrations held
  • CPI minister takes principled stand against RSS symbolism
3 min read

Kerala Minister boycotts Raj Bhavan environment day celebrations over 'Bharat Mata' picture

Kerala Agriculture Minister P. Prasad skips World Environment Day event at Raj Bhavan due to controversial RSS-linked picture display

"This is an unconstitutional thing - P. Prasad, Kerala Agriculture Minister"

Thiruvananthapuram, June 5

A controversy broke out on Thursday after Kerala Agriculture Minister P. Prasad boycotted the state-level celebrations on World Environment Day at the Raj Bhavan -- the official residence of the state Governor, Rajendra V. Arlekar.

The reason was that the Minister did not want the picture of the Bharat Mata, commonly used by the RSS, to be placed on the central dais.

Prasad told the media that the programme was decided after speaking to the Governor. “Last night, a change was made, and this was not acceptable to the state government. The picture was not the regular Bharat Mata picture which we use, but at Raj Bhavan, it was the one that is used by the RSS. It is not right to keep such pictures, and the Governor said it cannot be changed, and hence the state government decided not to take part in the function at the Raj Bhavan,” said Prasad.

“This is an unconstitutional thing. It is only after this Governor took over that there have been such changes. We have the highest regard and respect towards the normal Bharat Mata picture, but not the one used by the RSS,” added Prasad.

Incidentally, on Tuesday evening, officials from the concerned Minister's office were at the Raj Bhavan for an inspection of the Central Hall where the picture of Bharat Mata was kept.

Later, the officials who visited the Raj Bhavan informed the Minister about the picture. Following this, the Minister spoke to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and later, the decision was taken that Prasad would not attend the meeting.

The Minister called Raj Bhavan and informed that he would not be able to attend the function if the picture was not removed. But Arlekar stood his ground and pointed out that the picture would not be removed. Afterwards, the state government decided to hold a function in the Durbar Hall of the State Secretariat to mark the World Environment Day celebrations.

The Chief Secretary was directed to organise a separate event. Consequent to this, on Thursday, there were two different state-level functions -- one chaired by Arlekar at the Raj Bhavan and the other in the Durbar Hall with Prasad presiding over.

Prasad, a first-time legislator, is a member of the CPI.

Former Minister and CPI state secretary Binoy Viswan said this was unacceptable, as that picture could not be put up at a state function.

Incidentally, last month, Arlekar had invited prominent RSS ideologue S. Gurumurthy for a talk after the successful Operation Sindoor, and CM Vijayan had said that it was wrong to convert the Raj Bhavan into a place for the RSS.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

A
Arjun M.
This is such unnecessary drama! Why can't we focus on the actual environment day message instead of fighting over pictures? Both sides are equally responsible for politicizing a good cause. 😒
P
Priya K.
As a Malayali, I'm proud of our ministers for standing their ground. Raj Bhavan should represent all Indians, not just one organization's symbolism. The RSS version of Bharat Mata isn't the only version we have in our diverse culture.
R
Rahul S.
The Governor should have been more accommodating. When you're in a constitutional position, you represent everyone, not push your personal affiliations. This kind of stubbornness only creates unnecessary divisions.
S
Sunita N.
While I respect Bharat Mata in all forms, government functions should maintain neutrality. This could have been handled more maturely by both sides. Now the real message of Environment Day is lost in political bickering. 🌱
V
Vikram J.
Interesting how the same people who claim to be secular have problems with Bharat Mata in any form. The minister could have attended and raised his concerns later instead of making a spectacle. Hypocrisy on both sides!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50