Bharat Mata controversy ignites protests and disputes in Kerala
A portrait of Bharat Mata, put up by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at official events, has set off protests and heated debates.
The Left Democratic Front (LDF) and CPI(M) say the Governor is pushing RSS ideas, arguing that Raj Bhavan shouldn't feel like an "RSS shakha."
Deeper divides in Kerala over nationalism, secularism
This isn't just about a picture—it's become a flashpoint over what symbols belong in government spaces.
Kerala's Education Minister even walked out of an event in protest, calling the portrait a political symbol.
Student groups and trade unions have rallied against the move, while BJP youth wings have shown support.
The standoff highlights deeper divides in Kerala over nationalism, secularism, and who gets to define public culture—issues that resonate far beyond just this one state.