**Title:** Kerala Education Minister Boycotts Event Over RSS Flag Controversy
**Meta Description:** Kerala’s Education Minister V Sivankutty boycotted a Scouts and Guides event at Raj Bhavan due to the display of an RSS flag alongside Bharat Mata.
**URL Slug:** kerala-education-minister-boycotts-rss-flag-event
**Headline:** Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty Boycotts Scouts and Guides Event Over RSS Flag Display
In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between the Kerala government and Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Education Minister V Sivankutty chose to boycott a Scouts and Guides program held at Raj Bhavan on Thursday. His decision stemmed from the display of a controversial image of ‘Bharat Mata’ that included a flag associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Sivankutty, who also serves as the president of the state Scouts and Guides, attended the event to present awards to students. However, after completing the formalities, he publicly announced his boycott, citing the presence of the contentious image as the reason for his withdrawal. Sources indicate that the state government had previously communicated to Raj Bhavan that the use of the Bharat Mata image featuring the RSS flag was inappropriate for official functions.
This incident is not isolated; it follows a similar situation where the agriculture department relocated a government program from Raj Bhavan to the Secretariat due to objections regarding the same issue. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had previously criticized the Governor, asserting that Raj Bhavan should not serve as a platform for promoting RSS agendas.
During a media briefing on Thursday, the Chief Minister reiterated the government’s stance, emphasizing the distinction between personal beliefs and official protocol. He remarked, “Some are asking what is the problem in honoring Bharat Mata. Our Constitution does not endorse the concept of Bharat Mata as represented with the RSS flag. While individuals may have their own ideological views, state events must comply with government-approved norms.”
Vijayan further stated that Raj Bhavan should not be transformed into a venue for political campaigns, warning that such actions could be perceived as a challenge to the Constitution.
In conclusion, the ongoing tensions between the Kerala government and the Governor highlight the complexities of political symbolism and the importance of adhering to constitutional values in official settings.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: Why did Education Minister V Sivankutty boycott the event at Raj Bhavan?**
A: He boycotted the event due to the display of a Bharat Mata image featuring an RSS flag, which he deemed inappropriate for an official function.
