Kerala University Registrar Suspended Amid Tensions Over Bharat Mata Portrait
The controversy surrounding the Bharat Mata portrait has highlighted the deep-seated tensions between the state government and the Governor, with the former opposing the use of the portrait due to its association with the RSS. The suspension of the registrar has added fuel to the fire, with many accusing the Vice Chancellor of overstepping his power and acting under pressure from the RSS.
Kerala University registrar K S Anil Kumar has been suspended for cancelling an event attended by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, amid tensions over a Bharat Mata portrait with a saffron flag at the university hall. The suspension has drawn criticism from Higher Education Minister R Bindu, who claims Vice Chancellor Mohan Kunnummal overstepped his power and acted under pressure from the RSS.
The registrar claims his suspension is illegal, citing his appointment by the university syndicate. The move comes amid an ongoing tussle between the state government and the Governor over the presence of Bharat Mata portraits at official events, with the government opposing its use due to its association with the RSS. Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar has written a letter to Chief Minister V Sivankutty expressing strong disapproval of his conduct during a Bharat Scouts and Guides award function at Raj Bhavan on June 19.
Arlekar termed Sivankutty's walkout from the event as a "violation of protocol" and an "act of disrespect" to the constitutional head of the state. Sivankutty, who is also the president of the Bharat Scouts and Guides Association in the state, arrived late, read out a message, objected to the photograph of Bharat Mata, and walked out of the event. The Governor said that protocols are practised to maintain dignity and it is the duty of every participant to comply.
The suspension of the registrar and the ongoing tensions between the state government and the Governor have sparked a heated debate in Kerala, with many criticizing the Vice Chancellor's decision and accusing him of acting under pressure from the RSS. The issue is likely to escalate further, with the opposition demanding the Vice Chancellor's resignation and the government seeking to resolve the matter through dialogue.