In a move that has sparked a political controversy, the Communist-led Kerala government has come under fire for disrespecting the national anthem and an image of Bharat Mata during an official function at the Raj Bhavan. The incident occurred at the Scouts and Guides Award Ceremony held today, where Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty walked out in protest after seeing an image of Bharat Mata displayed prominently on stage.
The Minister was seen upset over the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp and a floral tribute offered by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in front of the Bharat Mata image. Sivankutty’s reaction has drawn parallels with past instances during Congress rule when Muslim League ministers opposed the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, citing it as un-Islamic.
There is no question of doing away with Bharathamba: Governor
The Hon’ble Governor of Kerala Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said that there is no question of doing away with Bharat Mata, as we draw our idea of patriotism and nationhood from Bharat Mata. pic.twitter.com/yEae8qEtbQ— Kerala Governor (@KeralaGovernor) June 19, 2025
Indeed, the minister’s protest at the Raj Bhavan, staged on the very day of the by-election in Nilambur, Wayanad, has raised eyebrows. Adding to the controversy, Sivankutty has violated the protocol by arriving late to the function, despite the Governor’s presence requiring all dignitaries to be seated before the event begins. As per protocol, the national anthem is rendered upon the Governor’s arrival, and proceedings commence thereafter. However, the Minister arrived after the anthem and left before the event concluded, drawing criticism for what some view as disrespect toward the Governor and the national anthem.
This is not the first time Minister Sivankutty has been accused of undermining constitutional institutions. He was previously charged in a 2015 case involving the vandalism of public property occurred during a protest inside Kerala Legislative Assembly.
Defending his walkout, the Minister later told media outlets that he was protesting the display of the Bharat Mata image and lit lamp at an official government event. He claimed that the Raj Bhavan ceremony was politicised and insisted that the image did not represent the constitutional idea of the Indian nation. Sivankutty added that he had no objection to lighting a lamp in front of Gandhi’s image, but asserted that the presence of Bharat Mata’s image was inappropriate for a government event.
No Compromise on Bharat Mata: Governor
Whatever be the pressure from whichever quarters there will be no compromise whatsoever on Bharat Mata asserted Kerala Governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Aralekar, here today.@rajendraarlekar pic.twitter.com/shjyVPQY2J— Kerala Governor (@KeralaGovernor) June 5, 2025
He clarified that his protest was not directed at Governor Arif Mohammed Khan personally. “After congratulating the students who received the Scouts and Guides awards, I left the venue,” the Minister said.
Sivankutty further alleged that the Governor displayed “arrogance and disdain” and that the Raj Bhavan had not informed the state government in advance that a Bharat Mata image would be used in the ceremony. He stated that the government had scheduled the event well before any recent political controversies arose and that the Chief Minister had already articulated the government’s clear stance on the matter.
In response, the Raj Bhavan rejected claims of misleading the Minister, clarifying that no assurances were given to exclude the image. Governor Arlekar clarified that, “there is no question of doing away with Bharat Mata, as we draw our idea of patriotism and nationhood from Bharat Mata.”
Goa Foundation Day was celebrated at Kerala Raj Bhavan as part of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative. Hon’ble Governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar interacted with the invitees from Goa and cultural programmes were performed. pic.twitter.com/c4AUGGYgJe
— Kerala Governor (@KeralaGovernor) June 9, 2025
This is not the first time the Communist-led Kerala government has courted controversy over the image of Bharat Mata. In an earlier instance, Agriculture Minister P. Prasad boycotted an Environment Day event at the Raj Bhavan, objecting to the display of a Bharatamba (Bharat Mata) portrait depicting her holding a saffron flag.
The incidents have once again highlighted the deepening rift between Kerala’s elected government and the Raj Bhavan, raising questions about the politicisation of state functions and symbols of national identity for appeasement and electoral gains.
