Tensions Rise as Kerala Governor's Actions Spark Controversy Over RSS Influence

A fierce editorial by Deshabhimani, the official publication of Kerala's ruling CPI(M), has sharply criticized Governor Rajendra Vishawanath Arlekar over his actions in the Bharat Mata portrait controversy. The editorial charged that the Raj Bhavan has become a platform to propagate RSS ideology, much to the discontent of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government.

This criticism comes amidst a broader conflict involving the portrayal of the Bharat Mata at government events. Arlekar has been accused of violating constitutional norms by politically symbolizing the Raj Bhavan. Meanwhile, prominent figures within the CPI(M), including General Education Minister V Sivankutty, have protested by boycotting events at the Raj Bhavan, reasserting the supremacy of the Indian Constitution over RSS ideologies.

The Students' Federation of India (SFI) added to the protest narrative by unfurling a defiant banner at a local college, asserting the Raj Bhavan as public, not RSS property. The opposition, including Congress and CPI, has also called for intervention by the President of India to address what they see as the Governor's misuse of his constitutional position.

(With inputs from agencies.)