Why Did Kerala Education Minister Walk Out of Raj Bhavan Over Bharat Mata Image?

Thiruvananthapuram, June 19 (NationPress) Tensions between the Kerala government and Raj Bhavan intensified on Thursday when State Education Minister V. Sivankutty exited an official event at the Governor’s residence, in protest against the presentation of a contentious RSS-style image of Bharat Mata.

This walkout followed a strong denunciation from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who criticized the Kerala Raj Bhavan for permitting such an image to be showcased during a government function.

In statements to the press, Minister Sivankutty explained that he had accepted an invitation to speak at a certificate distribution ceremony hosted by the Indian Scout and Guides. "However, upon my arrival, I observed that the Governor and others had lit a ceremonial lamp and paid floral respects to an image of Bharat Mata, commonly linked to the RSS," he stated.

“As I began my speech, I voiced my profound protest to the Governor and articulated that such imagery is unacceptable at a government function. This event is state-organized, and showcasing an RSS-style image is entirely unsuitable. I subsequently walked out in protest,” Sivankutty elaborated.

He further indicated that had the image depicted Mahatma Gandhi or even Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it would have been deemed appropriate.

“However, this specific portrayal of Bharat Mata, with evident RSS implications, should not be present in a government function,” he asserted.

Sivankutty accused Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar of attempting to convert Raj Bhavan into an “RSS outlet,” asserting that the current Governor displays more ideological rigidity than his predecessor, Arif Mohammed Khan.

“If this continues, the state government may need to contemplate withdrawing from all Raj Bhavan events,” he cautioned.

“I could have exited with the children, but I refrained out of basic decency. Raj Bhavan is not private property,” he added.

In a statement, the Raj Bhavan expressed that Minister Sivankutty’s actions during the event constitute a clear breach of established protocols and are regarded with utmost concern.

"His behavior at the event was inappropriate for a Minister. He acted in a manner that does not reflect positively on his office," the statement noted.

The Raj Bhavan further emphasized that, according to protocol, when the Governor is present, ministers are expected to arrive punctually and remain for the event’s entirety. However, Minister Sivankutty arrived late and departed early, marking a violation of these protocols.

Furthermore, it was noted that the Minister read his remarks from a prepared statement, suggesting that his comments were premeditated, according to the Raj Bhavan's statement.

This is not the first instance where the image has sparked controversy. Earlier this month, during World Environment Day celebrations, State Agriculture Minister P. Prasad skipped a Raj Bhavan event upon discovering that the same image would be displayed. The state government hastily organized a parallel event at the Secretariat to prevent a clash.

Meanwhile, queries are arising regarding Chief Minister Vijayan’s remarks on Wednesday night, where he stated that the Raj Bhavan had assured him such images would no longer be utilized in government functions. This assurance, however, appeared to be disregarded on Thursday.

Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan placed the blame for the latest incident on the Chief Minister.

“This controversy could have been averted had the Chief Minister taken a decisive stance earlier. He should have condemned the occurrence on Environment Day itself. His silence conveyed a misleading message, and now his remarks from last night warrant scrutiny,” Satheesan remarked.

As the controversy escalates, it further complicates the already fragile relationship between the ruling LDF government and the Governor’s office, with both parties exchanging accusations regarding constitutional propriety and ideological imposition.