Portrait of Bharatamba was recently purchased on instructions of the Governor.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The controversial picture of Bharatamba was recently purchased by the Raj Bhavan from a shop in Thiruvananthapuram on the instructions of Governor RV Arlekar. This picture was used in other states' Formation Day celebrations. There was a floral tribute to this picture when RSS ideologue Gurumurthy's speech on Operation Sindoor was recently organized in the Raj Bhavan auditorium. When Governor Arlekar suggested buying it, he informed that this picture is used in most Raj Bhavans.

Meanwhile, Minister P Prasad clarified that despite having immense respect and love for Bharatamba, it is unacceptable to have a picture that is used only by the RSS. "There are boundaries for those holding constitutional positions. What if I come to the programs of the Agriculture Department with a flag with a hammer and sickle inscribed on it? Children are often dressed as Bharatamba at government programs. The picture that was placed in the Raj Bhavan is not the one that is usually used. Recently, the Kerala Shri Puraskar was distributed by the Governor. The Chief Minister was also present on the stage. There was no such picture or floral tribute. This picture was not used for the oath-taking ceremony either. The Governor, who is responsible for fulfilling his constitutional responsibility, made such a thing mandatory at the program at the Raj Bhavan. The government cannot accept it. RSS leader Gurumurthy's speech was delivered at the Raj Bhavan. Raj Bhavan should not be made a venue for the program of a sect." - the minister clarified.

However, the Governor explained that when the Agriculture Minister requested to hold the Environment Day celebration at the Raj Bhavan, he happily granted permission. "India has a tradition of saluting and protecting trees, water and air since prehistoric times. We must understand that true nature conservation is not possible by abandoning that," the Governor clarified.