Kerala Min. calls ''Bharat Mata'' portrait ''religious image'', slams Guv for violating Constitution
Kozhikode (Kerala), Jun 28 (PTI): Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty on Saturday strongly criticised Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar for displaying Bharat Mata portrait during official functions at Raj Bhavan and labelled the act a "blatant violation" of constitutional norms.
The minister also termed the portrait, depicting a woman holding a saffron flag, as a "religious image".
A person holding a constitutional post worshipping such an image during official events is "tantamount to subverting the basic principles of the Constitution", he said at a press conference here.
Sivankutty's statement comes against the backdrop of intense war of words and street protests in Kerala over the Raj Bhavan's decision to display the Bharat Mata portrait at functions there.
In response to a question, he emphasised that the Preamble of the country declares it a secular democratic republic.
Citing various Articles of the Constitution, he said the promotion of any religious practice is prohibited in government programmes by those holding constitutional positions.
These Articles mandate the state's neutrality in religious matters.
"So, this action by the Governor is a blatant attack on the secular nature of the Indian Constitution. This is not only a violation of protocol, but also an act that undermines the secular values guaranteed by the Constitution," Sivankutty said.
The minister also justified his recent decision to boycott an official function held at Raj Bhavan over the display of the portrait.
"I walked out because I could not bear witness to such constitutional violations. I was only fulfilling my responsibility to uphold the Constitution. I am committed to go to any length to protect the secular nature of the Constitution."
Coming down heavily on the Governor, the state minister further said by paying floral tributes before the portrait, the Governor is "insulting" the secular nature of the Constitution.
Displaying and worshipping the image of Bharatamba at an official function would "tantamount to officially endorsing" a particular religious symbol, contrary to the secular nature of the country, he alleged.
It is for these reasons, Sivankutty explained, why the image of Bharat Mata is viewed as a religious symbol and its display at official functions is criticised as being opposed to constitutional, secular and democratic values.
The southern state has been witnessing a tussle between Arlekar and the Marxist party-led LDF government over the display of the Bharat Mata portrait during official events at the Raj Bhavan here.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has reportedly conveyed to the Governor about the government's dissent in using anything other than national symbols during official functions, sources said.
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Man accused of attacking Delhi CM Gupta sent to 5 days' police custody
New Delhi (PTI): The man accused of attacking Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a 'Jan Sunwai' programme at her Camp Office in Civil Lines on Wednesday has been sent to five days of police custody, court sources said.
They said the accused, Sakriya Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai (41), was produced at the house of a magistrate in southwest Delhi's Dwarka late at night. The accused was not produced before any magistrate in the Tis Hazari court premises, sources said.
Police have registered a case against the accused, a resident of Rajkot (Gujarat) under Section 109(1) (attempt to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
He has also been booked for allegedly assaulting and obstructing public servant from discharging his duty.
Gupta was attacked during a 'Jan Sunwai' programme at her Camp Office on Wednesday morning, around 8:15 am, her office said, terming the assault part of a "well-planned conspiracy to kill her".
The chief minister was attended by doctors and underwent MLC (medico legal case) examination, CMO officials said.
Sources said that Khimjibhai came to Delhi two days ago and stayed in north Delhi's Civil Lines.
