V Sivankutty condemns Raj Bhavan over RSS-style Bharat Mata image

Thiruvananthapuram: Raj Bhavan is once again entangled in controversy, this time too over alleged pressure from the Centre to politicise official functions by displaying an image of Bharat Mata (Bharathamba) designed in a style commonly associated with the RSS.
The latest incident took place during the Rajyapuraskar award distribution ceremony for Scouts and Guides, held at the South Central Hall of Raj Bhavan. Prior to the event, the office of General Education Minister V. Sivankutty had specifically enquired whether such an image would be displayed. The Governor’s office assured them that no image of Bharat Mata would be installed.
However, when Minister Sivankutty arrived at the venue, he found an image of Bharat Mata holding the RSS flag prominently displayed. Objecting strongly, he informed Raj Bhavan that he could not participate in the event under these circumstances and condemned the move as an attempt to bring political symbolism into a government function. Before exiting, he congratulated the students who participated in the programme.
Later, Sivankutty explained that he had been delayed by about 10 minutes due to a Reader’s Day programme with the Chief Minister. “When I reached Raj Bhavan, I saw a ceremonial lamp being lit in front of a Bharat Mata image resembling the one used by the RSS. This is highly objectionable. Political symbols have no place in government events,” he said.
This comes after a similar controversy during World Environment Day, when Raj Bhavan allegedly insisted that the celebration begin with a flower offering and lamp lighting in front of a Bharat Mata image. The Agriculture Department, which was in charge of organising that event, refused to comply and shifted the programme from Raj Bhavan to the Secretariat.
Following criticism, the Governor’s Additional Private Secretary had written in an English daily that such images would not be used in future public or state government events. Yet, the same image appeared again at the Scouts and Guides function.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan commented on the controversy, stating: “Raj Bhavan should not be used as a political ground. But Governor Rajendra Arlekar is turning it into one.”