Controversy Erupts in Kerala Over 'Bharat Mata' Image at Government Event

Every Indian holds a deep reverence for the image of Bharat Mata, yet a recent incident in Kerala has sparked significant controversy. The state government decided to boycott an event due to the display of Bharat Mata's image, which has led to heated discussions among political leaders. Opposition figures in Kerala have voiced their disapproval of the image being placed in the Raj Bhavan, arguing that it symbolizes communalism and lacks any official status. Such statements are surprising, as they come from Indian leaders who should recognize that the image of Bharat Mata belongs to all Indians, not just a single organization. Those responsible for this incident should apologize, as disrespecting Bharat Mata's image has hurt the sentiments of many.

On Thursday, during a World Environment Day event at the Raj Bhavan, the government boycotted the ceremony because the image of Bharat Mata, commonly associated with RSS branches, was to be displayed. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar stated that there would be no compromise on the issue of Bharat Mata. Kerala's Agriculture Minister P. Prasad, who led the boycott, emphasized that while the state respects Bharat Mata, using an image linked to RSS for an official event is unconstitutional. Despite the controversy, the Raj Bhavan proceeded with the event, while the state government organized a separate celebration at the Secretariat's Durbar Hall.

In a statement released later, the Governor reiterated that no compromises would be made regarding Bharat Mata, regardless of external pressures. The statement referenced the Governor's speech during the World Environment Day ceremony, noting that the Agriculture Minister had initially requested the event be held at the Raj Bhavan. However, when the Minister insisted on removing the Bharat Mata image from the stage, the Governor had to decline the request, leading to the Minister's boycott. The statement also mentioned that the Minister was expected to attend both the morning session and the evening ceremony at the Raj Bhavan but chose to abstain from both.

The Raj Bhavan's statement highlighted India's long-standing tradition of worshipping and conserving trees, water, and air. The Governor pointed out that some contemporary ideologies are attempting to abandon this tradition. He stressed that genuine environmental protection can only be achieved by adhering to and living in accordance with these traditions.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Prasad clarified that the agenda for the event was prepared by the Raj Bhavan and accepted by him. However, he expressed concern over the last-minute addition of a tribute to Bharat Mata's image, which he deemed unconstitutional and associated with RSS. He argued that the Raj Bhavan, as a constitutional office, should not utilize an image that is predominantly linked to a specific organization. Consequently, the venue for the event was changed to the Durbar Hall within the Secretariat.

Officials indicated that the last-minute changes by the Raj Bhavan forced the Agriculture Department to relocate the ceremony. The Environment Day event was held at the Secretariat at 11 AM on Thursday. In response to the situation, the Indian Vichar Kendram, an organization affiliated with RSS, strongly supported the Governor's stance, while the ruling CPI(M) and the opposition Congress criticized the Raj Bhavan's actions. The Indian Vichar Kendram questioned how displaying Bharat Mata's image could be considered unconstitutional, asserting that the concept of Bharat Mata symbolizes the nation's civilization, not merely physical elements like stones, soil, trees, and rivers. It cited Sri Aurobindo, stating that Bharat Mata is regarded as a manifestation of supreme power.

On the other hand, the leader of the opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V.D. Satheesan, stated that displaying Bharat Mata's image in the Raj Bhavan is inappropriate. CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan criticized the use of a controversial image during a government event, claiming it is widely perceived as a symbol of communalism and lacks any official status.