Designing an Onam Pookkalam, the floral decoration on the ground, is an inseparable part of the Onam celebrations in Kerala. But reports from Kollam state that it becomes a crime if the ruling CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and “some other elements” do not approve of it.
A case was registered against two youths in Sasthamcotta, Kollam, on September 5, for arranging a Pookkalam in front of a temple. One of them is a serving soldier and the other a former soldier. Their so-called crime: the theme of the Pookkalam was ‘Operation Sindhoor’. These two words were written with flowers as part of the design. A saffron flag was also created with flowers, as the Pookkalam was arranged in front of the Sasthamcotta Muthupilakkad Pardhasaradhi Temple.
Interestingly, the cases were registered under sections of the BNS for “preparation for riots”. Former soldier Sarath is named as the first accused and serving soldier Asokan as the second. Twenty-five other identified men have also been charged. The cases are registered against those who allegedly arranged the Pookkalam.
Even though “Operation Sindhoor” is said to be the reason for the legal action, the FIR does not mention it. Instead, it alleges that a saffron flag in the Pookkalam was intended to incite riots. It also refers to an image of Shivaji Maharaj fixed 50 metres away.
It is alleged that the case was registered due to political influence. Reports suggest that CPM and Congress leaders dominate the temple committee.
According to reports, as soon as the Pookkalam was arranged, police arrived at the spot and asked the youths to remove it. When they refused, the police threatened to register a case against them if they did not remove it immediately. The youths stood their ground, following which the police shouted at them. The exchange has since gone viral on social media.
Various Hindu organisations have come out in protest against what they call police excess. BJP state general secretary Anoop Antony Joseph alleged that the police’s arrogance stems from the words “Operation Sindhoor”. He said, “This is not Pakistan; this is Kerala, under CPM-led LDF rule. Even flowers are seen as a threat if they carry patriotic messages.” He further accused the government of appeasing a “particular section”, while at the same time claiming to be champions of freedom of speech. “Now even permission is required for the design of a Pookkalam. This scenario creates an atmosphere of fear,” he added.
In Kerala, an FIR has been filed for making a Pookkalam with “Operation Sindoor” on it.
If this happened in Pakistan, it may have been expected but in India, it is atrocious & unacceptable. Operation Sindoor is Bharat’s pride, symbolising the valour of our armed forces. To…
— BJP KERALAM (@BJP4Keralam) September 6, 2025
BJP Kerala has strongly condemned the action of state police on X, stating: If this happened in Pakistan, it may have been expected, but in India, it is atrocious and unacceptable. Operation Sindoor is Bharat’s pride, symbolising the valour of our armed forces. To target it is to insult every soldier, including thousands of Malayalis who wear the uniform, guard our borders, and sacrifice their lives for the Tricolour.
Kerala is not Pakistan and will never be a land where Jamaat-e-Islami dictates. On behalf of every patriotic Malayali, the BJP strongly condemns this shameful act and demands immediate withdrawal of the FIR, failing which we will be compelled to seek legal recourse.”
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