Latest news with #RajBhavan
The Print
a day ago
- Politics
- The Print
RSS to Raj Bhavan via Goa BJP, now amid ‘Bharat Mata' image row—tracing Kerala Governor Arlekar's journey
At the heart of the controversy is an image of Bharat Mata holding a saffron flag, widely used by the RSS as a symbol of nationalism. However, the Kerala governor, who was associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) from his early days, is now facing allegations from both the ruling Left Democratic Front and the opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front of turning the Raj Bhavan into RSS office. Thiruvananthapuram: A strong advocate of the Konkani language and credited with making the Goa Assembly the first paperless legislature in the country, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar is known for contributing significantly to the Bharatiya Janata Party's growth in his home state and achieving several firsts. While the governor insists on paying floral tributes to the image at every official event, including the ones conducted in the Raj Bhavan, the LDF and UDF see this as an attempt to convert the governor's official residence into RSS office. The issue escalated Thursday when Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to Arlekar, objecting to the use of the image at official events. Kerala Higher Education Minister R. Bindu Thursday accused him of attempting to popularise the 'RSS' Bharat Mata concept'. 'The governor is carrying along with him an image of the RSS version of Bharat Mata wearing a silk saree and holding a saffron flag, which is not accepted in independent India. It should be seen as a ploy to get wider acceptance for the RSS' Bharat Mata concept,' she told mediapersons. However, a senior official at the Raj Bhavan said the current issue was being blown out of proportion for political interests and asserted that Arlekar does not seek to create controversies. He added the governor has made it clear there will be no compromise on the Bharat Mata image. 'He is concerned about the row, but not worried about it,' the official told ThePrint. 'What image should be put up in the Raj Bhavan is decided by others. He is not asking anyone else to do the same or to pay floral tributes to the image.' 'He has been extending his hand to the state… If certain forces don't want that, what can he do,' the official said, adding the issue cannot be compared to typical tussles between Centre-appointed governors and opposition-led states because Arlekar has not hesitated to fulfil his Constitutional duties. 'There are no pending bills with him, nor has he failed in his constitutional duties,' the official said, adding Arlekar enjoys a good rapport with the Centre. Credited with BJP's growth in Goa Arlekar, 71, who was associated with the RSS from his early days, played a significant role in strengthening the BJP in Goa, working closely with former chief minister and Union minister, the late Manohar Parrikar. 'The BJP was not that strong in Goa initially. In 1991, a few people, including Parrikar and Arlekar, joined the BJP from the Sangh and started working to strengthen the party base. Arlekar contested the 1991 Lok Sabha elections but didn't win. In 1994, we won four out of 40 seats in the Assembly. It was historic. In 1999, it became 10,' Sadanand Tanavade, a former Goa BJP president and a close friend of Arlekar, told ThePrint. Tanavade added that Arlekar's popularity also grew during his days in active politics as he led several agitations against then ruling Congress' alleged corrupt practices. Arlekar officially joined the BJP in 1989 and served the organisation in various roles since then. His father Vishwanath Arlekar was a state president of the Jan Sangh, the BJP precursor. Although he lost in his first attempt, Arlekar was elected MLA in 2002. In 2012, he was elected the speaker of the Goa Assembly and served for three years. 'He was the first speaker who ran the Assembly entirely in Konkani. He used to speak entirely in Konkani when he was presiding over the Assembly,' Tanavade said. He also oversaw the transition of the Assembly proceedings to paperless, the first such initiative in an Indian state. Tanavade said Arlekar was close to the party high command while in active politics and would always remain content with whatever responsibility the party assigned him and never lobbied for any post. 'He is a nice, down-to-earth person. He's a very good speaker. He can talk about anything, especially national integrity. His first priority is the nation,' Tanavade said. In 2021, Arlekar was appointed the Governor of Himachal Pradesh, and in 2024, he became the Governor of Bihar before being sworn in as Kerala Governor on 2 January 2025. The image controversy and more On the Republic Day this year, Arlekar praised Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for his clear vision for the state's development and expressed pride in the state. Their apparent bonhomie suggested a peaceful relationship between the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led state government and the Raj Bhavan, a welcome change from what it was when Arlekar's predecessor Arif Mohammed Khan was in office. However, the situation changed in earlier this month, 5 June to be precise. On Environment Day, Agriculture Minister P. Prasad boycotted an event at the Raj Bhavan over the display of a Bharat Mata portrait. Later, on 19 June, General Education Minister V. Sivankutty boycotted the Scouts and Guides Rajya Puraskar award ceremony, leaving the Raj Bhavan shortly after extending his wishes to the children and condemning the display of the image. The tussle escalated Wednesday as members of the CPI(M)'s Students Federation of India and the Congress' Kerala Students' Union protested outside the Kerala University where the governor had attended an event organised by a right-wing group that displayed the controversial image. The protests led to clashes as RSS-BJP supporters opposed them. About a month ago, Arlekar triggered a row by nominating 10 deans to the Kannur University, all from outside the university, in direct violation of the university statutes, which stipulate that deans must be professors from the university's own departments. Of the 10 people nominated, six were from institutions funded by the Union government, and the rest from outside the state. Subsequently, the Kannur University syndicate passed a resolution against the move. In December last year, while serving as Bihar governor, Arlekar sparked a row by saying that the British rulers left India not because of the freedom satyagraha but because they saw arms in the hands of native people. The comment drew criticism from opposition leaders who claimed the comments disrespected freedom fighters. Kerala BJP leader Anoop Antony Joseph claimed the ruling CPI(M) is trying to make it into controversy to distract from 'anti-incumbency' sentiment in the state and its loss in the recent Nilambur bypoll. 'It's also part of appeasement politics by both the LDF and UDF. The LDF doesn't have any development to show in the upcoming polls. So, it's easy for them to resort to religious appeasement. We saw the same in Nilambur by both LDF and UDF,' he told ThePrint. (Edited by Ajeet Tiwari) Also Read: 'Bharat Mata' portrait pits LDF against Kerala Governor, again. 'Turning Raj Bhavan into party office'
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Disqualified BJP MLA Kanwar Lal Meena seeks Rajasthan Governor's pardon to regain assembly seat
Kanwar Lal Meena, a former BJP MLA, disqualified due to a court sentence, is seeking a pardon from Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade. Meena aims to regain his assembly seat before a fresh poll announcement. The Congress party questions the fairness of such privileges. Legal experts are doubtful about the governor's intervention. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Kanwar Lal Meena approaches Raj Bhavan to avoid re-election, regain seatFormer BJP MLA Kanwar Lal Meena, disqualified after a court sentenced him to three years in a criminal intimidation case, has sought a pardon from Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade. Meena hopes to return to the assembly before the Election Commission announces a fresh poll. The Congress questioned if such privileges would be extended to ordinary experts note that while a governor has powers to pardon under Article 161 of the Constitution, it is rarely exercised in politically sensitive matters like disqualification. The BJP, meanwhile, has not officially commented, although party insiders say Meena's return would be strategically useful in the run-up to local polls. With his constituency still in suspense, Meena's move has added a legal and political twist to Rajasthan's post-election landscape.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
‘Better facilities for pilgrims': J&K LG Manoj Sinha reviews Amarnath Yatra arrangements
Ahead of the annual Amaranth Yatra, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha interacted with various stakeholders here on Saturday to discuss arrangements for smooth pilgrimage. Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha addressing a press conference in Srinagar.(ANI File ) Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was present at the interaction at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) here in which members of the civil society, religious leaders, DDC chairpersons, members of business and trade associations, and MLAs also participated. The lieutenant governor said the administration has made preparations, including security-related, for comfort of the visiting pilgrims. "Despite challenging weather conditions and tough terrain, efforts have been made to ensure better facilities for the pilgrims. Many of you are aware of this. Significant improvements have taken place. I also know that people from Jammu and Kashmir, especially those involved in this yatra, have served with dedication and will continue to do so," he said in his address. Stakeholders assure full support for Amarnath Yatra, Muharram: LG Sinha Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the lieutenant governor said the stakeholders have assured of all possible support to make the yatra a success. "I had invited all the senior leaders and representatives of the political parties to the Raj Bhavan and requested them to make the Amarnath Yatra and Muharram successful. They assured me of support for both the yatra as well as Muharram," said Sinha. "The members of the civil society, religious leaders, DDC chairpersons, office bearers of business and trade associations, and MLAs, were here for consultations today. Senior officers were also present. We have been doing this endeavour for the last four years," he added. The lieutenant governor said the stakeholders have assured him that the yatra belongs more to people than the administration and shrine board, and all will provide their support to make the yatra successful. "I hope that with the blessings of Baba Amarnath, the yatra will be successful," he added.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Ruckus at Kerala University event: Raj Bhavan seeks report from VC
T'puram: Raj Bhavan has sought a report from Kerala University vice-chancellor (VC) Mohanan Kunnummal regarding attempts to disrupt an event attended by governor at the university senate hall on Wednesday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Following this, the VC issued a show-cause notice to university registrar Anil Kumar seeking an explanation from the official who allegedly filed a complaint against the organisers of the controversial event without the knowledge and consent of the VC. SFI and KSU workers protested against the organizers of the event at the senate hall which marked the anniversary of the Emergency where a portrait of Bharat Mata was used. Following this, the university registrar asked the organizers to cancel the programme after they refused to remove the portrait as demanded by the registrar. It was argued that the portrait was a religious symbol, and no religious symbol can be used in the hall owned by the university. The VC asked the registrar to explain in detail the circumstances that led to lodging a police complaint against the organizers without his knowledge. It is alleged that the registrar filed the complaint on the instructions of the university syndicate. The registrar, who reached the senate hall, told the organisers of the programme to remove the Bharat Mata portrait or else cancel the programme. However, the Padmanabha Seva Samithi office bearers refused the demands and went ahead with the programme. The VC has also asked the registrar to present the copy of the cancellation order issued by the registrar.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Governor R.N. Ravi gifts autorickshaw to woman who was driving a rented one
Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi on Friday handed over an autorickshaw to a woman at the Raj Bhavan in Chennai. During an event on Friday, Mr. Ravi gave the key for the autorickshaw to Amala, who had been driving a rented one so far. Earlier this year, Ms. Amala was felicitated during the Raj Bhavan's Women's Day celebration for her resilience, strength, and unwavering spirit in supporting her family by driving the rented autorickshaw. 'She deeply moved the Governor with her quiet determination. Ms. Amala stands as a torchbearer of the women-led development model of New Bharat, embodying grit, dignity, and transformative potential,' a press release from the Raj Bhavan said.
