Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty on Thursday walked out of a function at the Raj Bhavan, objecting to the display of a Bharat Mata portrait on the dais which featured a flag associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
The incident occurred during the Rajyapuraskar Award distribution ceremony for Bharat Scouts and Guides, jointly organised by the state government and Governor Rajendra Arlekar’s office.
Addressing a press conference later, Sivankutty said he raised an objection upon seeing the image placed alongside the ceremonial lamp.
“Since I was scheduled to deliver the presidential address, I first congratulated the awardees. But I also made it clear that displaying the image of Bharat Mata at a government function is inappropriate,” the minister said.
He then registered his protest and walked out of the event.
The minister criticised the inclusion of political or religious symbols in official events, calling it a violation of the secular character of government programmes.
Reacting sharply to the minister’s conduct, Raj Bhavan issued a press note condemning Sivankutty’s exit as a “gross violation of protocol” and a “grave insult” to the office of the Governor.
This story was originally published in maktoobmedia.com. Read the full story here.
