RSS chief Bhagwat hoists tricolour in Kerala school after controversy

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday unfurled the tricolour on Republic Day at a private school in Kerala’s Palakkad town

Bhagwat reached the Vyas Vidya Peethom, a CBSE-affiliated higher secondary school, at 9:30am with some functionaries and unfurled the flag.

His actions could likely kick up a stir as the state government issued a directive that the flag will be hoisted only by heads of educational institutes.

The CPI(M)-led LDF government issued a circular to all state-run and aided schools two days ago insisting that only headmasters or principals of institutions should unfurl the national flag on the Republic Day.

Bhagwat, who reached Palakkad for a three-day meeting of the RSS, also spoke on the occasion but he did not mention politics.

The RSS defended Bhagwat’s decision to hoist the flag and said it was incorrect to say that he was defying or disrespecting the government orders.

Bhagwat unfurled the tricolour at Karnakiamman Higher Secondary School on the outskirts of Palakkad town on Independence Day last year leading to a political slugfest.

Hours before the event, a message was delivered at the school by the district collector warning strict action if it failed to comply with the directive of the government.

District collector Mary Kutty restrained the government-aided school saying it was not proper for a political leader to hoist the national flag in an aided school.

Despite the warning, the school went ahead with the event leaving the government red-faced. Weeks after the incident, the district collector was shunted out.