For Prelims

What: The editorial examines the constitutional and political controversy that erupted between Kerala's Governor and State government over the display of a 'Bharat Mata' painting at official functions in Raj Bhavan. The dispute centers on the Governor's practice of placing a specific depiction of Bharat Mata (a female figure in saffron sari with spear and lion) at venues for official functions and offering ritual worship before it.

Why: The controversy highlights fundamental questions about constitutional propriety, separation of ceremonial duties from political symbolism, and the boundaries of a Governor's authority. Since Bharat Mata imagery is not constitutionally recognized like other national symbols (flag, anthem, emblem), its use in official state functions raises questions about religious and political neutrality in governance.

Who: Key stakeholders include the Kerala Governor (constitutional head), Kerala State government and Chief Minister (elected representatives), and broader political implications involving RSS and BJP usage of similar imagery. Historical figures referenced include Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Abanindranath Tagore, Sister Nivedita, and Jawaharlal Nehru's interpretation of the concept.

Outcome: The editorial advocates for strict constitutional adherence, arguing that Governors must act only on government advice in official matters and cannot independently introduce non-constitutional symbols into state functions. It calls for resolution through constitutional principles rather than allowing the controversy to damage Governor-government relations.

For Mains

GS II: Governance, Constitutional Issues, Centre-State Relations

Highlights of the Article

Constitutional Governance

Historical Context and Evolution

Secular Nationalism vs. Religious Symbolism

Governor-State Relations

UPSC EXAM NOTES ANALYSIS

1. Examine the constitutional role of the Governor and the limitations on their discretion.

• Article 163 of the Constitution mandates that the Governor must act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, except in limited discretionary areas.

• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar asserted that Governors are nominal heads with no independent executive authority.

• Supreme Court judgments, including Nabam Rebia v. Deputy Speaker (2016), affirm that Governors must respect the elected government’s decisions, especially on administrative matters.

2. Discuss the implications of using religious or ideological imagery in official state functions

• The Bharat Mata image, though emotively powerful, is not a constitutionally recognized national symbol (unlike the flag, anthem, emblem).

• Displaying such imagery in government venues risks violating secular principles, particularly Article 25–28 (Freedom of Religion).

• Use of symbols associated with specific political ideologies in public institutions undermines institutional neutrality and fosters politicization of governance.

3. Analyze the historical and ideological evolution of ‘Bharat Mata’ and its relevance in contemporary governance.

• Originated in Bankim Chandra’s Anandamath as Banga Mata, it evolved into Bharat Mata through Abanindranath Tagore’s painting and Sister Nivedita’s efforts.

• Jawaharlal Nehru interpreted Bharat Mata as a symbol of India’s people, unity, and collective identity, not as a deity or singular image.

• In modern governance, anthropomorphizing the nation can exclude minority voices and challenge the inclusive ethos of Indian democracy.

4. What are the federal and democratic implications of repeated Governor-State government confrontations?

• Frequent Governor vs. State clashes, especially in Opposition-ruled states, erode cooperative federalism and political stability.

• Past interventions by the SC attempted to delineate boundaries, yet issues persist due to partisan appointments and political overreach.

• Raj Bhavans must respect protocols, symbolic neutrality, and constitutional boundaries in functions involving elected representatives.

• India has experienced numerous contentious disputes between State governments and Governors. Although the Supreme Court has occasionally stepped in to provide clarity and uphold constitutional boundaries, these conflicts persist.
• Both the Constitution and its judicial interpretations have precisely defined the scope of a Governor’s authority. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar firmly stated during the Constituent Assembly debates that a Governor has no independent functions under the Constitution.
• The Governor is expected to act on the advice of the elected government, including matters like displaying photographs or participating in ceremonial acts such as lighting lamps, in accordance with official protocol.
• The Governor does not have the authority to unilaterally decide, for instance, to install Bharat Mata’s image in all government offices — such decisions fall under the jurisdiction of the government.
• All constitutional functionaries are obligated to operate within constitutional limits, and the government holds the rightful power to direct the Governor not to display images like Bharat Mata in official venues, particularly since such representations have no legal or constitutional endorsement