The Kerala Raj Bhavan has taken a firm stance after State Education and Labour Minister V Sivankutty abruptly walked out of a public event, allegedly insulting the Governor and violating established protocol over the presence of a portrait of Bharat Mata and the ceremonial lighting of a lamp.
In response to the incident, the Raj Bhavan clarified that the portrait of Bharat Mata will remain a permanent fixture at all future inauguration ceremonies. Lamps will henceforth be lit in front of the portrait, reinforcing the significance of national symbols. With Assembly elections due next year, it is noted a growing reluctance from the Pinarayi Vijayan-led left government to hold state events at the Raj Bhavan, due to fears of backlash from radical Islamist groups. Given the Raj Bhavan’s resolute position, no government event, except for constitutional ceremonies such as oath-taking, is expected to be held at the venue in the near future.Despite the seriousness of the protocol breach, the Raj Bhavan has reportedly decided not to pursue further action against the minister. Instead, it has opted to close the matter with a strongly worded public statement censuring Sivankutty’s conduct.
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
Meanwhile, the state government is mulling legal steps against the continued use of the Bharat Mata portrait in official functions at the Raj Bhavan. The Chief Secretary has sought legal advice from the Law Secretary to determine if there is any formal protocol governing the use of national symbols at Raj Bhavan events, and whether the cabinet has advisory authority in such matters. Further action will follow based on the legal opinion received.
The controversy erupted after Minister Sivankutty staged a walkout from a Scouts and Guides event held at the Raj Bhavan, citing objection to the presence of Bharat Mata’s portrait and the lamp-lighting ritual. The minister claimed he had received prior assurance that the portrait would not be displayed. However, upon arrival, he found the image prominently positioned on the stage, prompting him to leave the program mid-way. Sivankutty later alleged that the Raj Bhavan was becoming a ‘political centre’ and said he had chosen to exit after addressing the children.
Kerala: CPI(M) Minister Sivankutty sparks row by walking out from Raj Bhavan over Bharat Mata image, lamp lighting
By: Vishnu Aravind#Kerala #CPIM @VSivankuttyCPIM https://t.co/fhDDf1Zon8
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) June 19, 2025
The Raj Bhavan, however, rejected these claims and issued a scathing rebuttal. In a detailed press note released on Wednesday, it condemned the minister’s behaviour, labelling it a “gross violation of protocol” and a “grave insult” to the office of the Governor. According to the statement, Sivankutty left the stage without informing the Governor, in clear violation of the established decorum that requires all dignitaries on the dais to remain until the Governor departs.
The Raj Bhavan described the minister’s conduct as a “public display of misconduct” and “an unprecedentedly wrong precedent.” It also criticised Sivankutty for arriving with a pre-drafted speech and took particular exception to his remark during the event, where he admitted to being unfamiliar with the image of Bharat Mata. “It is a pity that the Education Minister of the state admitted to the audience that the portrait of Bharat Mata is not familiar to him,” the statement noted, calling it a disturbing reflection of disconnect from national icons.
Firmly rejecting all allegations of impropriety, the Raj Bhavan asserted that there was no question of removing the portrait. “there is no question of doing away with Bharat Mata, as we draw our idea of patriotism and nationhood from Bharat Mata” governor Arlekar declared, underlining that national symbols are beyond political bargaining.
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