A traditional Onam floral carpet at a Kerala temple has triggered a major controversy, resulting in police cases against 27 RSS activists. The dispute centers around allegations that the decorative display violated a court order designed to prevent communal tensions.

The Controversial Floral Display

The incident occurred at the Parthasarathy temple in Muthupilakk, Kollam district. RSS activists created a pookalam (traditional floral carpet) featuring their organization’s flag and an inscription honoring “Operation Sindoor.”

The floral arrangement was part of Onam festivities at the temple. However, temple authorities objected to its placement and content.

Court Order Violation Alleged

Temple committee member Mohanan explained the background of the dispute. He revealed that frequent clashes had occurred over flag installations near the temple during festivals.

To prevent such confrontations, temple authorities approached the Kerala High Court in 2023. The court subsequently banned any decorative items, including flags, near the temple compound.

“Despite this, RSS activists laid a floral carpet with their flag and inscribed ‘Operation Sindoor’ with flowers right next to the temple committee’s floral design,” a temple committee office-bearer told PTI.

Temple’s Position

The temple committee emphasized they respect Operation Sindoor but opposed the violation of the court order. They feared the display could spark fresh clashes between rival groups.

“Since this violated the High Court order and could spark clashes, we filed a complaint. We have full respect for Operation Sindoor, but this is not as the accused are portraying it,” the office-bearer clarified.

Police Action

Kerala Police registered a case based on a complaint by Asokan C, a temple committee office-bearer. The police invoked several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita:

• Section 223: Disobeying orders lawfully promulgated by public servants
• Section 192: Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot
• Section 3(5): Criminal act committed by several people

According to the FIR, activists also installed a flex board of Chhatrapati Shivaji 50 meters from the temple. Police alleged this act was intended to provoke riots between rival political groups.

BJP’s Strong Response

BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar strongly criticized the police action. He questioned whether Kerala was being ruled by Jamaat-e-Islami or under Pakistan’s governance.

“This is Kerala. It is a proud part of India. Yet, an FIR has been lodged for making a Pookkalam with the words ‘Operation Sindoor’ in it. Absolutely Unacceptable!” Chandrasekhar wrote on social media.

He warned that the party would approach the court if the FIR wasn’t withdrawn immediately.

Operation Sindoor’s Significance

Chandrasekhar emphasized that Operation Sindoor symbolizes the strength and valor of India’s armed forces. He argued that targeting it through legal action “insults” every soldier defending the nation.

The BJP leader framed the issue as an attack on patriotic symbols and military honor.

Appeasement Politics Allegation

BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya accused the Kerala government of appeasement politics. He criticized the Left government for treating patriotic messages as threats.

“In Kerala’s Kollam district, police forced the removal of an Onam Pookalam simply because it carried the words ‘Operation Sindoor,'” Malviya posted on social media.

He labeled the action as hypocrisy, pointing out that the same Left government lectures others about free speech.

Broader Political Context

The controversy reflects deeper political tensions in Kerala between the ruling Left Democratic Front and opposition BJP-RSS combine. Such disputes often escalate during festival seasons when religious and political symbols intersect.

The case highlights the challenge of balancing religious celebrations, political expression, and court orders in a politically sensitive environment.

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