Bharat Mata portrait row: Kerala Opposition welcomes CM's letter, calls for secularism in Raj Bhavan

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarish Vijayan. File Pic.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, V D Satheesan, on Thursday welcomed Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's reported decision to send a letter to Raj Bhavan, criticising the display of the Bharat Mata portrait.

However, Satheesan described the Chief Minister's move as "delayed." He firmly stated that neither Raj Bhavan nor the official programmes of the Governor should be transformed into platforms for political and religious campaigns.

Referring to the tense atmosphere that prevailed a day prior at the Kerala University Senate campus, where SFI activists clashed with police over the display of the Bharat Mata portrait - a symbol typically associated with RSS events - at a private function attended by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, the opposition leader alleged it was an attempt by the Sangh Parivar to create "communal polarisation."

He added that Kerala should not be "dragged" into such conflicts.

Moreover, Satheesan asserted that while Governor Arlekar might hold personal political leanings and could continue his activism, once he occupies a constitutional position, he cannot "safeguard" his political and religious interests.

He further stressed that both the Chief Minister and the state government were obligated to inform the Governor, and "those behind him", that Kerala is a secular state.

Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, Satheesan commented, "The CM was silent till now. It is good he gave it (letter) now. But it was delayed." He reiterated that the Governor's programmes are strictly official and should not be used for religious or political campaigning.

Satheesan further alleged that while the Congress-led UDF opposition was focused on political polarisation, the Sangh Parivar was actively attempting "communal polarisation."

He claimed, "It is all part of a hate campaign to divide people," and urged both the state government and the CPI(M) not to adopt the Sangh Parivar narrative. Satheesan also called for Raj Bhavan to be explicitly informed that such acts must not be repeated, assuring that the government would have the opposition's support if it took such a firm stand on the issue.

The controversy surrounding the Bharat Mata portrait began in the state earlier this month when the Governor first displayed it at an Environment Day programme held at Raj Bhavan.

This initial display led to state Agriculture Minister P. Prasad boycotting the event, with the Governor subsequently asserting there would be "no compromise" on the issue.

Since then, Governor Arlekar has consistently displayed the portrait at all events held at Raj Bhavan, including a ceremony to award certificates to scouts and guides, prompting State General Education Minister V. Sivankutty to walk out of one such event recently.

In response, the Chief Minister and several ministers have stated that only official or authorised symbols, emblems, or portraits are permissible in government programmes.

(With inputs from PTI)