New Delhi, June 6: Communist Party of India (CPI) MP P. Sandosh Kumar has written to President Droupadi Murmu, demanding the recall of Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar for allegedly displaying a “particular version” of the Bharat Mata image during an Environment Day event without consulting the state government.
In his letter, Kumar expressed strong objection to the Governor’s unilateral act, calling it “unconstitutional conduct” and a violation of the principles of federalism.
“This imposition compelled Kerala’s Agriculture Minister P. Prasad to boycott the function, exposing yet again the partisan role being played by Governors in non-BJP ruled states,” Kumar wrote.
Key Allegations Against the Kerala Governor:
- Unilateral display of a controversial version of the Bharat Mata image at Raj Bhavan.
- No consultation with the elected state government.
- Partisan conduct, allegedly aligned with BJP-RSS ideology.
- Potential violation of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
CPI’s Stance on the Bharat Mata Depiction:
Kumar stated that the original image of Bharat Mata, envisioned by Abanindranath Tagore during the Swadeshi Movement, was meant to be a secular and anti-colonial symbol. He accused the Governor of supporting a sectarian reinterpretation of the image, calling it a “dangerous distortion” unfit for official functions.
“Raj Bhavans must remain neutral constitutional spaces, not ideological shakhas,” Kumar said.
Broader Political Context:
Kumar’s letter reflects growing tensions between Governors and state governments, particularly in non-BJP ruled states. He accused Governors of acting like “political agents” of the BJP and urged the President to act immediately.
“The Governor of Kerala, Rajendra Arlekar, by acting in an openly partisan and unconstitutional manner, has diminished the dignity of the office and should be recalled,” he concluded.
What’s Next:
The President has yet to respond to the letter. However, the issue is likely to further fuel debates around Centre-State relations and the role of Governors in India’s federal structure.