The State Cabinet has brought to the attention of Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar the protocol that governs ceremonial and official functions at Raj Bhavan.
The communique to Mr. Arlekar came in the wake of the government objecting to the alleged use of “political and religious iconography,” notably the controversial display of the Bharat Mata motif used by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, at Raj Bhavan events.
The Cabinet cited relevant discussions in the Constituent Assembly regarding the sole use of constitutionally sanctioned national emblems, including the national flag and national anthem, as well as the avoidance of other symbols with political, religious, regional, or linguistic overtones at State events.
The Constituent Assembly had raised the demand for a national flag that encapsulates the country’s history, geography, religious, ethnic, and linguistic diversity.
Speeches cited
The Cabinet communique quoted Jawaharlal Nehru’s speech in the Constituent Assembly on July 14, 1947, regarding the need for an inclusive national flag. It also quoted Sarojini Naidu’s speech in the Constituent Assembly as per which there are no religious differences, nor are there any distinctions, such as those between king and subject, under the national flag.
The government emphasised that the Constituent Assembly had mandated the use of only the national flag at State events. It stated that attempting to use any other device was an insult to national emblems.
The Cabinet requested that the Governor issue the requisite instructions to his office to uphold the constitutionally mandated national symbols and not supersede them with other devices or emblems.
Published – June 27, 2025 08:50 pm IST
