‘Don’t know from where this culture has come’: Kerala Governor's subtle criticism targets LDF over Ayyappa Sangamam

Kozhikode: Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has subtly criticised the Left Democratic Front (LDF)-led state government over the recent Global Ayyappa Sangamam held at Pamba, suggesting that those who oppose the state's cultural traditions are “pretending to be Sabarimala devotees.”

Speaking at the inauguration of the Navarathri Sargotsavam organised by Kesari Weekly at Kesari Bhavan in Kozhikode on Thursday, Governor Arlekar remarked, “The people who have been opposing our culture, people who have reservations or criticising guru puja, people who are criticising Bharat Mata, they all pretend to be Sabarimala devotees.”

He continued, “I don’t know from where this culture has come. I don’t doubt there were sanctity in their minds. If you really have that sanctity, if you really have those principles and bhaav in your minds, come out openly and tell us.”

The Governor further questioned the motivations behind such actions, suggesting that they were driven by political convenience rather than genuine belief. “It has to be noted, we have to listen and we have to see what these people are about and why this is being done. Only for political convenience. Bharat Mata or Guru puja or all these things were not politically convenient for anybody. It is in our blood and thoughts, and we are not politically motivated,” Arlekar stated.

The comments come in the wake of the Global Ayyappa Sangamam held on the banks of the Pampa river on September 20, organised by the LDF government and the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB).

Governor Arlekar’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the Kerala government and the office of the Governor. The Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government has often clashed with both Arlekar and his predecessor, Arif Mohammed Khan, over various issues.

In July, the Kerala government introduced a module in the Class 10 Social Science textbook detailing the powers and duties of the Governor. The move is seen as part of the ongoing friction between the state administration and Raj Bhavan.

In previous months, Raj Bhavan has been at the centre of controversy for displaying a portrait of 'Bharat Mata' at official events, a move that was met with protests. Governor Arlekar defended the portrait’s display, despite the opposition.

Earlier, in July, Arlekar defended the cultural practice of offering flowers at the feet of teachers on Guru Purnima, following criticism from the state government. The LDF had condemned the practice, which took place in a few CBSE schools in Kerala, arguing it was against democratic values. Arlekar, however, maintained that the practice was a vital part of Indian tradition.