Ignoring objections and threat from Communist ministers, left and Congress leaders, and affiliated organisations, Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar once again participated in a program held at the Communist stronghold of Kerala University, where the image of Bharathamba was prominently displayed.
When the Bharathamba picture was installed for the event at the Senate Hall of the University of Kerala, the University Registrar denied permission for the program, arguing that it constituted a religious symbol. However, the event proceeded as planned, with those who came to stop it reduced to mere spectators. Despite intense chaos created by SFI and KSU activists outside the venue, the Governor went ahead and attended the event. Organized by the Sree Padmanabha Seva Samithi, the program was a book release of ‘As the Emergency Nears Fifty Years of Democratic Slaughter’, authored by K. B. Surendran and published by Kurukshetra Prakashan. The organizers refused to remove the picture, and the Governor participated without hesitation.
Hon’ble Governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar released the book on ‘Emergency-era Atrocities’ and honoured the freedom fighters of the Emergency period at a function organised by the Sree Padmanabha Seva Samithi at the Senate Hall, University of Kerala. pic.twitter.com/DNAIVpddZh
— Kerala Governor (@KeralaGovernor) June 25, 2025
SFI and KSU activists also attempted to block the Governor, leading to clashes with police. However, the event inside the Senate Hall continued without interruption. In defiance of the protests, the Governor inaugurated the program by offering flowers to the image of Bharathamba and lighting a ceremonial lamp. SFI activists took a firm stand outside, declaring that the Governor would not be allowed to leave.
Referring to the SFI and KSU protests, the Governor said he did not understand the reason behind the opposition to the installation of Bharathamba’s picture. He stated that while he had made it clear upon arrival that he did not seek confrontation, that did not mean he would yield to protests. He added that no one was being targeted and that such an ’emergency-like’ situation would not be allowed.
സെനറ്റ് ഹാളിൽ ഭാരതാംബ ചിത്രം; SFI – ABVP സംഘർഷം | Bharat Mata Controversy | Rajendra Arlekar#keralauniversity #bharathmatacontroversy #rajendraarlekar #keralagovernor #governmentvsgovernor pic.twitter.com/vJAlH0qx7x
— News18 Kerala (@News18Kerala) June 25, 2025
He clarified that he was not against anyone’s ideals and that he held his own beliefs. The Governor questioned whether it was democratic to prevent the Governor from entering the hall where the event was being held. “Are we really living in a democratic era or the democratic era of Indira Gandhi?”. “Do we not have tolerance? We have to be tolerant”, the Governor said.
The University Registrar stated that the image violated university rules, citing a signed memorandum that required adherence to norms, including a ban on religious symbols. However, this claim has been contested, with organizing committee arguing that Bharathamba is not a religious figure but a symbol of national unity, rendering the Registrar’s objection baseless.
🎥 Students' Federation of India (SFI) holds a protest against Kerala Governor #RajendraArlekar, who came to attend the book release of '50 years of Emergency', at Kerala University in Thiruvananthapuram.#Emergency #KeralaNews #SFIProtest pic.twitter.com/DSuUxCUKGj
— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) June 25, 2025
A large police force was deployed after SFI announced that they would block the Governor unless the image was removed. Following the notification of the Governor’s visit, both SFI and KSU intensified their protests. A scuffle ensued as police attempted to arrest and remove SFI activists. Meanwhile, the Governor arrived at the university headquarters and took part in the program. The attendees, escorted the Governor to the Senate Hall, chanting slogans of Bharat Mata ki Jai.
