Thiruvananthapuram | June 26, 2025 — A fresh political storm has erupted in Kerala over the installation and display of a Bharat Mata portrait at official Raj Bhavan functions, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan preparing to write a formal letter of objection to Governor Arif Mohammed Khan’s successor, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. The CM’s stance is not merely symbolic—it reflects a growing tension between the state government and the constitutional head of the state, raising questions about the underlying ideological fault lines that have long simmered in Kerala’s polity.
The controversy gained momentum earlier this week when visuals of official events held at Raj Bhavan showed a prominently placed portrait of Bharat Mata draped in saffron robes, with symbolic imagery closely associated with right-wing Hindu organizations. The CM and his council of ministers, led by the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), have expressed strong objections to the move, which they see as an attempt to “saffronize” the constitutional space of Raj Bhavan—a neutral ground by design and law.
The Portrait That Sparked a Firestorm
The portrait in question is not an ordinary depiction of Bharat Mata. It bears striking similarities to the version popularized by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)—an organization that remains ideologically opposed to the left-wing principles upon which the LDF bases much of its governance. In this portrayal, Bharat Mata is adorned in saffron garments, holding a saffron flag, and standing against a backdrop of Akhand Bharat—a visual that stretches from present-day Afghanistan to Myanmar.
This specific rendition is seen by many as more than a patriotic symbol; it is perceived as a political statement tied to the vision of Hindu nationalism. Senior ministers in the state cabinet reportedly declined to attend multiple events at Raj Bhavan citing the presence of the portrait, viewing it as an infringement on secular norms.
A Formal Protest in the Making
Sources from within the Chief Minister’s Office have confirmed that Pinarayi Vijayan is preparing to write an official letter to Governor Arlekar, expressing his administration’s “serious concern” over the use of religious-political symbols within government premises. According to insiders, the CM will argue that the Raj Bhavan, as a constitutional institution, should remain neutral in character and refrain from aligning with ideologies, whether they are of the left or right.
The letter is expected to be strongly worded but framed within constitutional decorum, highlighting that such visual representations risk alienating the pluralistic identity of Kerala. It will also cite the precedence of maintaining ideological neutrality in public institutions, something the state government claims is being increasingly undermined.
Political Fault Lines Deepen
This development comes against the backdrop of a long history of ideological rift between the Governor’s office and the elected state government. Over the past few years, Kerala has witnessed several flashpoints—ranging from differences over higher education appointments to gubernatorial overreach in matters of administration. The portrait controversy is likely to add fuel to that fire.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, has dismissed the outrage as “manufactured.” BJP leaders in Kerala argue that the depiction of Bharat Mata is a nationalistic image and does not violate any secular principles. State BJP president K. Surendran stated, “This is yet another attempt by the Left to politicize patriotism. Bharat Mata is not about religion—it’s about love for the nation.”
In contrast, opposition parties such as the Indian National Congress have taken a more nuanced position, acknowledging that while the figure of Bharat Mata itself is not problematic, the context and symbolism surrounding this particular version need scrutiny.
Cultural Symbol or Political Tool?
The debate has ignited a broader conversation across Kerala about the role of symbolism in governance and public spaces. Is Bharat Mata a unifying cultural emblem or a political tool wielded for ideological assertion? Scholars, artists, and political observers remain divided. While some hail her as an embodiment of national spirit, others caution that visual representations loaded with religious or political connotations could marginalize large sections of India’s diverse population.
Public Reactions
Social media in Kerala has seen an explosion of posts both supporting and condemning the CM’s proposed move. Hashtags like #SaveSecularKerala and #RespectBharatMata have trended throughout the day. The common citizenry, too, appears divided—many supporting the idea of patriotic symbols in official spaces, while others urge a strict separation between state and symbolism.
What Lies Ahead?
The Governor’s office has so far not issued an official response to the reported protest letter. However, sources indicate that the Raj Bhavan is unlikely to remove the portrait unless directed to do so by the Centre or the courts.
As Kerala continues to navigate the tightrope walk between tradition, governance, and ideology, the unfolding events around the Bharat Mata portrait offer a sharp reflection of India’s larger political climate—where symbols are never just images, but instruments of meaning, memory, and power.
Whether this controversy subsides or escalates, one thing is certain: Kerala’s commitment to secularism will be tested again, and its leaders will need to tread carefully as they defend the ideals enshrined in the Constitution—ideals that are now, more than ever, under a saffron-colored spotlight.