Bharat Mata painting inside Kerala Raj Bhavan; Agri Minister Prasad boycotts Environment Day celebrations

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Agriculture Minister P Prasad boycotted the Environment Day celebration at Raj Bhavan following a tiff with Raj Bhavan officials over the use of 'Bharat Mata' painting. The minister took offence over the use of the Bharat Mata painting, which he said was the one commonly seen during RSS functions. He demanded that the image be moved from the hall as it was against the norms of government. It is reported that Governor R V Arlekar refused to accept the minister’s demand which led to the boycott.

The government had planned to hold the state-level inauguration of the Environment Day celebration at Raj Bhavan. The function was organized in the main hall of Raj Bhavan. Agriculture department officials had reached Raj Bhavan to assess the preparations when their eyes fell on the Bharat Mata painting placed in the hall. The painting was placed on the hall after Governor Arlekar took charge. Raj Bhavan denied a request from the ministry to move the painting which led to the Agriculture Department cancelling the event. However, Raj Bhavan decided to hold the event on its own.

The Agriculture Department had decided to hold the state-level inauguration at the Durbar Hall. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister intervened in the matter and after having a phone call with the Agriculture Minister, the program was shifted to the Durbar Hall. Following the Chief Minister's instructions, the Chief Secretary also participated in the program. Reports say that the Governor also held another program by planting a tree sapling at the Raj Bhavan.