Former BJP State President K Surendran has strongly reacted to the Kerala government’s controversial stance over the display of the Bharat Mata portrait at the Raj Bhavan. Surendran accused the ruling CPI(M) of fostering hostility towards the saffron colour to promote the green, alleging that the entire controversy was aimed at appeasing vote bank interests. He stated that ministers have no authority to dictate whether the image of Bharat Mata should be placed at the Raj Bhavan.
He reminded that the concept of Bharat Mata has existed in Indian tradition for thousands of years, and predicted that in another two or three years, the image would be installed at Cliff House, the official residence of the Kerala Chief Minister. The saffron flag, he said, symbolises Indian nationalism and added that Bharat Mata is not the property of the RSS alone.
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
Surendran also commented on the recent tragic incident of Raseena’s suicide at Kannur district, following a religious trial by banned PFI extremists. He expressed grave concern over the persistence of PFI terrorism in the state even after its ban, and criticised the inefficacy of police action in the matter. Since the incident did occur in the Chief Minister’s hometown of Kannur, there was no reaction from those who usually raise “Lal Salaam”, he said sarcastically.
SDPI extends unconditional support to the Congress led UDF in Lok Sabha elections, Kerala, including to Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad. SDPI is the political outfit of banned terrorist organisation PFI.
BJP Kerala President K Surendran, who is contesting from Wayanad, asks if Rahul will… pic.twitter.com/eD00MAlHIc— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) April 2, 2024
The CPI(M) and the state government have come under criticism for generating controversy over the floral tributes and lamp lighting ceremonies in front of the saffron-flagged portrait of Bharat Mata at Raj Bhavan. The issue came to a head recently during the Scout and Guides Rajya Puraskara distribution program, jointly organised by the Raj Bhavan and the state government, when Education Minister V. Sivankutty violated protocol by walking out in protest. He objected to Governor Rajendra Arlekar offering flowers to the portrait of Bharat Mata holding the saffron flag. In response, the Raj Bhavan firmly condemned the minister’s actions and has now mandated that floral tributes and lamps must be offered at the Bharat Mata portrait during all official functions held at the Raj Bhavan.
Kerala: If there is an inauguration ceremony, there will be a picture of Bharat Mata; Raj Bhavan toughens its stance
By: Vishnu Aravind#Kerala #BharatMata #RajBhavan https://t.co/FuCzug204N
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) June 20, 2025
Adding to the political friction, Agriculture Minister P Prasad boycotted another Raj Bhavan function on Environment Day, citing the same issue with the portrait as his reason. The Pinarayi Vijayan-led government is adopting a policy of maximum appeasement in anticipation of the upcoming assembly elections next year.
In response to these developments, the BJP organised a protest in front of the Kerala Secretariat today. Former Union Minister V Muraleedharan inaugurated the demonstration, which condemned the Pinarayi government for showing contempt towards Bharat Mata and constitutional institutions.
