Thiruvananthapuram: Amid ongoing difference of opinion between the state government and Governor, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Governor Rajendra Arlekar shared the stage at an event. The occasion was the launch of Rajahamsam, the official magazine of the Raj Bhavan. Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor was also present.

A noteworthy moment occurred when the Governor first invited the Chief Minister to light the ceremonial lamp to inaugurate the event. After the Chief Minister lit the lamp, Shashi Tharoor followed, and finally, the Governor lit the lamp — a sequence that drew attention.

Previously, the government and the Governor had clashed several times over the use of the image of Bharat Mata at Raj Bhavan events. The Governor had also criticised the government over this issue during the Ayyappa Sangamam programme. Interestingly, the image of Bharat Mata was absent at Sunday’s event — a detail that stood out.

The government had earlier advised the Governor not to use the image of Bharat Mata at public events, a request the Raj Bhavan had accepted.

However, during his speech at the function, the Chief Minister openly criticised an article in the magazine that discussed the powers of the Governor. He clarified that the views expressed in the article did not reflect those of the state government and should not be misinterpreted as such. He, however, claimed that the government supports differing opinions.

The Chief Minister reiterated that a democratic public sphere, which embraces diversity of opinion, is part of Kerala’s renaissance heritage and that the government is committed to upholding that legacy. He further added that differing views do not unsettle the government.