Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Thursday criticised the state’s Left government for organising the Ayyappa Summit, accusing those who oppose ‘Guru Pooja’ and question Bharat Mata of merely “pretending to be Sabarimala devotees.”
Speaking at the Navarathri Sargotsavam organised by Kesari Weekly in Kozhikode, Governor Arlekar said, “If these people truly have sanctity, principles, and bhava in their minds, they should come out openly and say so.” He suggested that the ruling CPI(M) government’s actions were politically motivated and done “only for political convenience.”
Arlekar emphasised that traditions such as Bharat Mata worship and Guru Pooja are deeply ingrained in Indian culture and are not subject to political convenience. “Bharat Mata, Guru Pooja, and all these practices are part of our blood, thoughts, and values. We are not politically motivated,” he added.
Highlighting incidents in schools, the Governor noted that some teachers and principals had approached him when the ritual of students washing teachers’ feet—Guru Pooja—was opposed. “I wondered how this is happening in a state which is culturally at the highest level. Kerala is culturally rich, yet such things are being challenged,” he said.
Governor Arlekar also mentioned that his views are influenced by the RSS and defended the organisation’s efforts to promote nation-building and social organisation. He stressed that such initiatives are in the country’s interest and should reach every household.
Conversation
Be kind and stay on topic. Comments are moderated; abuse, spam and personal attacks are removed. Report a problem