The Kerala Government, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has formally notified Raj Bhavan that only national symbols can be displayed at state functions attended by the Governor, following a Cabinet decision rooted in Constitutional protocol.

This decision was communicated on Wednesday (June 25, 2025) after the Cabinet concluded that depictions of religious or political icons — such as the Bharat Mata image — are not in keeping with the neutral and official character of events involving the Governor, who serves as the de jure head of the State.

Cabinet Upholds Constitutional Neutrality

Officials confirmed that the notification to the Governor’s office stemmed from concerns raised over recent public events where images such as Bharat Mata were prominently displayed in the Governor’s presence.

“The Constitution mandates that the Governor, as the de jure head of State, must be seen as politically and religiously neutral,” an official source said.

The Kerala Cabinet concluded that only the national flag, the State emblem, and other official insignia of the Republic should be permitted at such functions.

Bharat Mata Imagery Sparks Political Controversy

The issue escalated into a political flashpoint after Governor Rajendra Arlekar participated in public functions where Bharat Mata portraits were prominently displayed. Critics of the Governor accused Raj Bhavan of endorsing religious-nationalist imagery, violating the secular character of official events.

Supporters of the Governor, however, argued that Bharat Mata is a patriotic symbol, and the controversy is politically motivated. The Governor’s office has not officially commented on the CM's communique yet.

Maintaining Constitutional Decorum

The CM’s directive emphasizes the need to preserve institutional decorum and constitutional restraint during public engagements involving the Governor. The communique makes clear that events hosted or attended by the Governor must refrain from using symbols or imagery affiliated with political, ideological, or religious groups.

Legal and political analysts note that this decision reinforces the constitutional separation of state and religion, and neutrality of the office of the Governor — especially amid growing debates on national identity and symbolism in public institutions.

Conclusion: A Tense Political Atmosphere

The move adds to the already strained relationship between the Kerala Government and Raj Bhavan, with recent months seeing repeated standoffs over policy disagreements and protocol issues.

As the issue continues to stir debate, the government’s stand highlights its commitment to constitutional propriety, while opposition parties may seek to politicize the cultural symbolism involved.

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