BHOPAL: The principal of a government school in Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh was suspended by the state government after notebooks carrying pictures of Veer Savarkar were allegedly distributed in the school.

K C Sharma, District Education Officer said, "The principal was suspended as he didn't take permission from concerned authorities before approving the distribution of notebooks with Savarkar's photo.”

Principal R N Kerawat was suspended Tuesday night, over two months after the notebooks carrying pictures of the Hindutva ideologue were distributed to the students of his school by an organisation. “An organisation named Veer Savarkar Manch had distributed free long notebooks to the students of the government high school on November 4 last year. These notebooks carried picture of Veer Savarkar on the cover,” Sharma said.

“Based on a complaint, a notice was issued to Kerawat. On the basis of his reply to the notice, an inquiry report was submitted to the divisional commissioner, who then took action against him,” Sharma added.

The move triggered sharp reaction from former chief minister and BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Taking to Twitter, Chouhan accused the Kamal Nath government of playing “petty politics”, while the ruling party maintaining that the action was a part of “discipline”.

“Kamal Nath ji, you have been completely blinded by your hatred towards Veer Savarkar. You are insulting the great personalities of your own country because of the Congress thoughts. The state is embarrassed by your act,” Chouhan said, seeking Kerawat’s reinstatement.