Kozhikode, Sept 25: Kerala Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar said that Gurupooja and Bharat Mata are ingrained in the blood of all countrymen, adding that those who oppose them merely disguise themselves as Ayyappa devotees. “Do they truly have sanctity in their minds? If so, let them come out openly and declare it,” he remarked while inaugurating the Sarga Samvad Sadas in connection with the Navratri Sargolsav at Kesari Bhavan, the headquarters of Kesari Malayalam weekly.
In a subtle reference to the recently concluded government-sponsored Ayyappa programme, the Governor criticised the spectacle as nothing more than a luxurious farce. It was dominated by VIP attendees rather than genuine devotees, while real devotees and Hindu organisations were excluded. The result, he noted indirectly, was leaders addressing empty chairs. Reports have since emerged that food worth nearly Rs 50 lakh had to be dumped into an incinerator at Pampa due to poor turnout.
Hon’ble Governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar inaugurated the Navarathri Sargotsavam organized by Kesari Weekly at Kesari Bhavan, Kozhikode. pic.twitter.com/cJdINuP2Ib
— Kerala Governor (@KeralaGovernor) September 25, 2025
Reiterating his conviction, the Governor said Gurupooja and Bharat Mata are part of the nation’s blood and thought, declaring that he was proud of his links with the RSS.
Governor Arlekar had earlier hit the headlines in June when he offered floral puja to a Bharat Mata portrait at Raj Bhavan during an official function—a move that drew the ire of Left ministers, who boycotted the event. The state government had also objected to the Gurupooja tradition, which involves the respectful washing of scholars’ feet, though such rituals are common in several CBSE and self-financed schools.
The ruling CPM, CPI, DYFI and SFI had sharply criticised the Governor not only over the Bharat Mata puja but also during a book release function at Kerala University Senate Hall on June 25.
The Communists in Kerala proudly claim to be atheists, yet their selective outrage tells another story. They find fault only with Hindu rituals and practices, while extending the utmost respect to Islam and Christianity and their traditions. Critics point out that this double standard exposes them as typical pseudo-Communists—fearmongering politicians who do everything possible to keep Keralites alienated from their cultural roots.
At the same time, they bend over backwards to appear loyal and respectful to other religious sentiments. Observers argue that such government-sponsored spectacles are nothing more than desperate attempts to retain a fading image and mask the Left’s declining political relevance in the state.
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