'Raj Bhavan controlled by RSS, national flag torn down from car by ABVP'; Minister Sivankutty responds

THIRUVANANATHAPURAM: Minister V Sivankutty reiterated that he walked out of Raj Bhavan following the Bharat Mata controversy, not for any personal gain but to uphold constitutional values.

Minister Sivankutty:

"I suspect that the ABVP showing black flags against me and jumping in front of the car is part of the directive from the Raj Bhavan. The Raj Bhavan is controlled by the RSS. The ABVP workers who showed black flags in Thiruvananthapuram tore the national flag in front of my car when it stopped. This shows how much respect they have for the national flag,' the minister said.

The government is considering legal action against the installation of the Bharat Mata photo holding a saffron flag at functions at Raj Bhavan. The government has sought advice from the Law Secretary and the Advocate General.

The government has taken steps to prepare a protocol containing symbols and pictures that can be used at functions at Raj Bhavan and inform the Governor. The Law Secretary has been tasked with preparing a draft. There are also plans to avoid government programs at Raj Bhavan.