Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has written to Governor Rajendra Arlekar, calling the display of a Bharat Mata image at Raj Bhavan “unconstitutional.” He urged the governor to avoid using such images at official government events.
Vijayan’s letter came after the state government received legal advice stating that only the official national emblem should be used at government functions. The matter was discussed in Wednesday’s cabinet meeting, after which the chief minister formally communicated his concerns.
A government source said, “The chief minister’s letter states that the Bharat Mata picture is unconstitutional, which the state should not follow. The government’s stand is that the governor should not insist on matters that are not in accordance with the Constitution.”
In response, Governor Arlekar defended the image, saying that Bharat Mata is not linked to any political ideology but represents the unity of the nation. “Bharat Mata rose from the hopes on freedom, which stands above caste and politics,” Arlekar wrote.
He also criticised the boycott of a Raj Bhavan event by the general education minister, calling it a breach of protocol. “The minister’s action insulted the constitutional head of the state,” the governor said. “I decided to reply quickly as the issue has turned into a major controversy affecting law and order in the state.”
The Students’ Federation of India (SFI), which is affiliated with the ruling CPI(M), has been protesting against the governor’s actions. Demonstrations have taken place in several parts of Kerala, including in front of Raj Bhavan.
Meanwhile, Governor Arlekar has been attending events in Thrissur and is scheduled to leave for Mumbai from Kochi on Friday, according to Raj Bhavan officials.
