Controversies ending? Bharat Matha picture to be removed from official events at Raj Bhavan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It has been decided to remove the Bharat Matha picture from government programs held by the Raj Bhavan, following the controversies. The Raj Bhavan has informed that the Bharat Matha picture and the lamp will be removed from official functions. The decision has been made to remove the picture and the lamp from programs such as the oath-taking ceremony and the Kerala Sree award ceremony.

However, the picture and the lamp will continue to be used in Raj Bhavan functions. They will also be present on the lecture stage tomorrow. The Raj Bhavan reached the conclusion after the government informed that the picture of the saffron flag-holding Bharat Matha and lighting lamps in front of it is not acceptable.

The Bharat Matha picture of the type used by the RSS was installed on the stage during the Environment Day celebration program at the Raj Bhavan. Following this, Agriculture Minister P Prasad boycotted the program. Although the Agriculture Department requested that the picture be removed, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar did not give in. The Agriculture Minister subsequently boycotted the program. Subsequently, a huge protest led by the CPI was held against this.