Bharatamba controversy heads to legal battle: Government to announce protocol for functions at Raj Bhavan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government is taking legal action against the installation of the picture of Bharatamba holding a saffron flag at functions at Raj Bhavan. The government has sought advice from the Law Secretary and the Advocate General. There is also a move to file a case stating that the picture is unconstitutional.

The Governor has taken a stand that it will be he who will decide what should be used at Raj Bhavan and that if the government approaches the court, it will be dealt with legally. 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.

Governor RV Arlekar is of the view that Bharatamba's picture will be used in all functions at Raj Bhavan. The picture was used in the West Bengal formation ceremony and will be present at tomorrow's (Saturday) Yoga Day celebrations. The organizers are Mera Yuva Bharat. No government programmes have been scheduled at Raj Bhavan in the near future. The Governor has instructed officials to make it mandatory to have Bharatamba's picture on the right side of the auditorium and to light lamps and offer flowers.

The Governor will inform the Centre in his monthly report that Minister V Sivankutty violated protocol at an official function. The report will be sent to the President, Vice President, Prime Minister and Home Minister. A letter may also be written to the Chief Minister regarding the violation of protocol. Governor Arlekar is very unhappy with the minister's walkout in protest at the placement of Bharatamba's picture at the Scouts and Guides event at Raj Bhavan.

Governor's duties will be taught in class 10: Minister Sivankutty

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government is sharpening its weapons against the Governor in the Bharatamba controversy. It has been decided to include the powers and duties of a Governor in this year's class 10 textbook and during the revision of higher secondary textbooks. It will be included in the second volume of social science in class 10.

Minister V Sivankutty informed that the Kerala state curriculum has been revised to uphold constitutional values ​​and the department will support children to emulate them in their lives through educational activities. "The Supreme Court itself has clarified the constitutional powers of governors. It was decided to mention the constitutional powers of governors in textbooks because schools are the real places where democratic values ​​should be learned. The governor should correct his stance that people should bow to Bharatamba," Minister V Sivankutty demanded.