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Kerala Minister Walks Out Over RSS-Linked Bharat Mata Portrait at Raj Bhavan

The walkout intensifies a weeks-long clash over the portrayal of Bharat Mata at state functions, raising questions about the neutrality of the governor’s residence.

Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar offers flowers to a portrait of Bharat Mata at the event in Raj Bhavan on Thursday | X/@KeralaGovernor
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Representational Image | RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat pays floral tribute to Bharat Mata during the inauguration of Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS), in Bengaluru | ANI
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Overview

  • Education Minister V. Sivankutty left a Scouts and Guides award ceremony on June 19 to protest a Bharat Mata image with a saffron flag linked to the RSS.
  • The Raj Bhavan described his departure as a serious breach of protocol and a “grave insult” to the office of the Governor.
  • Agriculture Minister P. Prasad had earlier boycotted a June 5 Environment Day event at Raj Bhavan over the same controversial portrait.
  • Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan maintains that displaying RSS-associated symbols in official events violates constitutional neutrality.
  • Governor Rajendra Arlekar has refused to remove the portrait, asserting there is no question of doing away with Bharat Mata.