'It is unfortunate that Bharat Mata is being made a subject of controversy': Governor RV Arlekar with clarification

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has thrown clarity over the Bharat Mata controversy that emerged during the Environment Day celebrations. Arlekar said that the concept of Bharat Mata should not be made controversial. "Indians are those who grow up taking the oath that they are the children of the same mother and are brothers and sisters. Whatever ideology or politics one believes in, that concept should be seen above all," he added. The Governor also clarified that it is unfortunate to make Bharat Mata a subject of controversy. The Governor was distributing awards to the winning students of a Mann Ki Baat-based quiz competition at Amrita Kairali Vidya Bhavan in Nedumangad.

Former Union Minister V Muraleedharan, who presided over the function, said that he is thanking the Governor for making those who were hesitant to praise 'Bharat Mata' raise the slogan 'Jai Bharat Mata'. "The Prime Minister's call is 'nation first'. That is what the Governor has tried to establish," he pointed out. Minister P Prasad had stayed away from the function after a picture of Bharat Mata carrying a saffron flag was placed on the stage of the Environment Day celebration program at Raj Bhavan. This is what led to the controversy.