Rajbhavan has decided to discontinue the use of the image of Bharat Mata (Mother India) in official state functions. However, the image will continue to feature in events and celebrations associated with the Raj Bhavan in which the Governor participates.
Background:
On June 5, during the World Environment Day celebrations, Agriculture Minister P. Prasad raised objections over the presence of a Bharat Mata image at the event. Following this, the function was shifted from the Raj Bhavan to the Durbar Hall in the Secretariat, and the Raj Bhavan withdrew from participating in the program. The government maintained that the image "is associated with the RSS and is not constitutionally recognized." Accordingly, it requested the exclusion of the image from official functions.
However, the Governor responded by stating that “there is nothing wrong with Bharat Mata.”
Key Features of the Government's Decision:
Bharat Mata Image: The image will be excluded from official state government functions. However, it will remain permissible in Raj Bhavan events.
Constitutional Position: The government clarified that only constitutionally recognized and officially approved symbols/images are to be used in government events.
Government-Governor Relations: While the government and the Governor maintain differing views on the matter, the new decision aims for a calibrated approach moving forward.
Political Reactions:
The CPI (Communist Party of India) supported the move, stating that only the image of Bharat Mata with the national tricolor can be deemed acceptable. In contrast, BJP leader K. Surendran criticized the move, calling it "an attempt at internal division."
Comprehensive Overview:
In essence, the government will exclude the Bharat Mata image from its official events, while it will continue to appear in Raj Bhavan-associated programs. The decision reflects deeper political and ideological disagreements about the selection and legitimacy of national symbols. It is notable that this decision was implemented following CPI's political interventions on June 10–11 and Raj Bhavan’s preparations surrounding the same.
