CPI(M) Lok Sabha member M.B. Rajesh on Wednesday termed the controversy over RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s hoisting of national flag at an aided higher secondary school in Palakkad as yet another propaganda against Kerala and its people.
In a statement here, Mr. Rajesh alleged that Mr. Bhagwat not only violated a State government circular on the conduct of Independence Day celebrations but also intentionally broke the flag code of India and insulted the national anthem.
“The flag code of India clearly states that the flag salutation will be followed by the national anthem. But at the function attended by Mr. Bhagwat, instead of singing the national anthem, Vande Mataram was sung after hoisting the flag. It is an insult to the national anthem,” he said.
“The RSS chief hoisted the tricolour at Karnakiyamman Higher Secondary School in Palakkad. The assembly was dispersed even without singing the national anthem. Subsequently, somebody reminded them of the omission and then the people who remained there sung the national anthem too, when the guests had already left,” said Mr. Rajesh.
“The participation of Mr.Bhagwat in the function itself was a violation of a government circular dated May 5 and issued by the Directorate of Public Instruction, which had clearly instructed that Independence Day celebrations in educational institutions should be conducted appropriately and that the flag hoisting should be done by the head of the institution or any elected representative of the people. The District Collector had issued yet another notice to the school authorities asking them to strictly follow the government circular,’’ said Mr. Rajesh.
“It was an intentional act, aimed at creating provocation. As peace and normalcy are prevailing in the State the RSS is not happy with it. Now, it is shocking that its chief himself is trying to ignite provocation and disrupt peace. How can the RSS supremo stoop to such low levels?,” asked Mr. Rajesh.
