Amid ‘Bharat Mata’ portrait tussle with Governor, Kerala’s Left govt to teach ‘powers of Governor’ in schools

This is the second time that the CPI(M)-led Left front government in the state is locking horns with Raj Bhavan over the use of such a portrait at functions.

Addressing the media Friday, Sivankutty said the second volume of social science textbooks for Class 10 will include lessons on the Constitutional powers of the Governor. “Besides, when the curriculum for Classes 11 and 12 will be renewed, the same topic will be included in the syllabus. The Supreme Court had clearly stated the powers of the Governor. Constitutional values should be taught in schools. The Governor should rectify his advice to the students that they should adore Bharat Mata,” he said.

Thursday’s event was the Kerala State Bharat Scouts and Guides Rajya Puraskar award ceremony at Raj Bhavan, for which the Governor was the chief guest. The minister, during his address, protested against the portrait of Bharat Mata and walked out of the function. He eventually told the media: “Raj Bhavan is not the Governor’s family property. It cannot be converted into an RSS centre. When I reached the venue, I saw the Governor offering floral tributes before the portrait. This was not in the programme notice. During my address, I had registered my protest to the Governor. During an official function, a photo that symbolises a political organisation should not be placed”.

The Governor later said that there is no question of doing away with Bharat Mata, “as we draw our idea of patriotism and nationhood from Bharat Mata”.

“Bharat Mata helps us to inculcate nationalistic values amongst our young generation,” he said.