“Kerala’s Raj Bhavan: The ‘Mother India’ Symbol Clash” -

In democracies, symbols carry immense power. While parliaments and state assemblies often feature emblems, maps, anthems, and portraits (e.g., Mahatma Gandhi in Kerala’s Niyamasabha), the line between official protocol and political ideology can blur quickly. That tension has erupted in Kerala in recent weeks over the presence of an image of Bharat Mata (“Mother India”) in Raj Bhavan, igniting a fiery debate.

Symbols in the Legislature: Tradition, Protocol, or Politics?

Legislatures and guardian bodies like Raj Bhavans are expected to remain apolitical, maintaining state decorum and constitutional neutrality. The State Emblem of India, national flag, and official seals have well-defined, legal statuses regulated under the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005 By contrast, personifications like Bharat Mata, while historically patriotic art, lack official sanction in legislative contexts.

Kerala’s Niyamasabha hall exemplifies this principle: it features a large Mahatma Gandhi portrait, plus busts of Nehru and Ambedkar founding figures revered across all parties . These images are universally accepted as non-partisan emblems of the Republic.

Who Is Bharat Mata?

Bharat Mata is a nationalist personification dating back to late-19th-century Bengal, often depicted as a goddess-like figure clad in saffron or red saree, sometimes holding a flag or standing atop a lion. While such imagery inspired freedom fighters in its early days, over time it has also been co-opted by Hindu-nationalist groups particularly the RSS leading to criticisms of politicization.

The Kerala Row Unfolds

On June 5, 2025, an Environment Day event scheduled at Kerala’s Raj Bhavan sparked a showdown. The Governor’s office insisted on displaying a Bharat Mata portrait featuring a saffron flag an image widely used in RSS-affiliated events .

Agriculture Minister P. Prasad, aligned with the Left Democratic Front (LDF), vehemently objected, calling it “unconstitutional” and not a state-approved emblem. He accused Raj Bhavan of imposing a sectarian symbol and relocated the ceremony to the Secretariat’s Durbar Hall .

Walkouts, Protests & Political Clash

Tensions escalated swiftly:

Minister V. Sivankutty walked out of a Scouts & Guides event at Raj Bhavan when the portrait reappeared and floral tributes were planned.
Another minister took similar action at a separate function, underscoring an LDF political consensus.
The Governor, Rajendra Arlekar, defended his decision publicly, asserting that Bharat Mata is above ideology and must remain part of ceremonies.

This dispute pits the constitutional neutrality of Raj Bhavan against charges of “Hindutva appropriation” by the Governor’s office.

Constitutional Implications & Norms at Stake

Legal norms dictate that only officially sanctioned symbols like the State Emblem or National Flag should feature in government venues; any additional imagery requires substantive justification. The Ministers’ boycott demonstrates a pointed message: using a politically charged depiction of Bharat Mata violates both constitutional spirit and secular traditions and is therefore unacceptable.

Public and Political Reactions

Left-leaning parties staged symbolic protests. The CPI hoisted the tricolour (arguing it is Mother India) and planted trees to highlight the distinction.

The BJP and Governor’s supporters countered that Bharat Mata is a unifying national symbol transcending ideology .

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan plans to formally urge the Governor to desist from displaying non-official symbols at Raj Bhavan.

History & Wider Context

This is not the first time symbolic imagery has sparked controversy. Across India, Bharat Mata icons especially those with saffron flags and lions have increasingly appeared in politically tinged contexts. In Kerala, which prides itself on secular inclusion, these symbols can inadvertently drive division.

Legislative norms are clear: constitutional spaces demand constitutional symbols.

What Needs to Happen Next

Establish clear guidelines: The Governor’s office must align with official protocol, allowing only recognized emblems in state ceremonies.
Reaffirm secular spaces: Public institutions should avoid sectarian or party-linked imagery.
Foster dialogue with the government: Constructive engagement could bridge protocol disputes.
Raise public awareness: Citizens deserve clarity on what represents the state in official spaces.

Final Word

Symbols matter even more so in constitutional spaces. The current row in Kerala over the Bharat Mata portrait at Raj Bhavan highlights a fundamental question: should a body like the Governor’s residence risk or gain political symbolism, or should it preserve its apolitical sanctity?

A well-intentioned reminder from Kerala’s ministers: national pride thrives best not via symbolism steeped in political identity, but through unity grounded in constitutional values

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