Slamming the CPI(M)-led Kerala government’s latest decision as unprecedented and politically motivated, critics say that including the “powers of the Governor” in the school curriculum is a thinly veiled response to its ongoing conflict with Raj Bhavan.
The move comes just a day after Education Minister V. Sivankutty stormed out of an official function at the Governor’s residence, objecting to a portrait of Bharat Mata holding a saffron flag a symbol he claimed represented a particular political ideology. The incident has once again widened the rift between the Left front and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
Syllabus Shift Amid Saffron Flag Controversy
Announcing the curriculum change on Friday, Education Minister V Sivankutty said that Class 10 social science textbooks will now include content on the constitutional powers of Governors. He added that the upcoming syllabus reform for Classes 11 and 12 will expand on this topic as well.
“The Supreme Court has clearly laid down the Governor’s powers. Students should learn constitutional values. The Governor should correct his advice to students that they should adore Bharat Mata,” Sivankutty told the media.
This follows the minister’s walkout from the Kerala State Bharat Scouts and Guides Rajya Puraskar ceremony held at Raj Bhavan, where the Governor was the chief guest. Sivankutty protested against the use of a Bharat Mata portrait with a saffron flag, saying it had no place at an official event.
Minister Walks Out, Governor Responds
Minister Sivankutty took offense at the floral tribute being offered by the Governor to the portrait of Bharat Mata. According to him, this act was neither part of the event agenda nor appropriate for a government function.
“Raj Bhavan is not the Governor’s family property. It cannot be converted into an RSS centre,” he said. “During an official function, a photo that symbolizes a political organization should not be used. I made my protest known during my speech and left the venue.”
In a sharp rebuttal, Governor Rajendra Arlekar termed the minister’s walkout as a “gross violation of protocol” and an insult to the office of the Governor. “There is no question of removing Bharat Mata. We derive our idea of patriotism and nationhood from her. It is through Bharat Mata that we inculcate nationalistic values among our younger generation,” he said.
Recurring Clash Over Bharat Mata Symbolism
This is not the first time the Left front government in Kerala has clashed with Raj Bhavan over the presence of Bharat Mata imagery at official events. A similar controversy erupted earlier this year, making it evident that the divide between the state government and the Governor’s office is becoming increasingly institutionalized.
While the CPI(M) government accuses the Governor of promoting right-wing symbolism, Raj Bhavan maintains that Bharat Mata represents national unity and cultural heritage, not partisan ideology.
Education or Ideological Indoctrination?
The inclusion of the Governor’s powers in school syllabi has triggered debate over whether the education system is being used as a tool for political messaging. While teaching constitutional values is essential, critics question the timing and intent behind the move, especially since it comes immediately after a public spat.
What remains to be seen is whether this academic addition will be a neutral civic lesson or an attempt to frame the Governor’s role through a partisan lens a development that could set a troubling precedent in other states as well.
Government vs Governor: A Longstanding Rift
The current friction between the Governor’s office and the CPI(M)-led Kerala government is not new. Former Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan had a prolonged and bitter standoff with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s administration during his tenure. Their clashes often revolved around issues of university appointments, administrative interference, and alleged delays in bill approvals.
Khan publicly accused the state government of violating constitutional protocols and frequently alleged that the ruling Left was trying to undermine the Governor’s constitutional authority.
Need for Constitutional Maturity and Institutional Harmony
As the debate between Kerala’s elected government and the Governor’s office plays out in public, it highlights the urgent need for greater constitutional clarity and institutional harmony. While it is important to educate students about the roles and powers of constitutional authorities, such lessons must be imparted with neutrality, free from political overtones. The Governor’s office, as a vital link between the Centre and the states, plays a crucial role in upholding democratic values and constitutional balance. In a diverse and vibrant democracy like India, dignity in public discourse and mutual respect between institutions remain essential for good governance.