Critics of 'Gurupooja', 'Bharat Mata' Are Fake Sabarimala Devotees: Kerala Guv

Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar sharply criticised the state's Left Democratic Front (LDF) government during a Navratri event here on Thursday, accusing detractors of traditional rituals like 'gurupooja' and 'Bharat Mata' worship of being insincere Sabarimala devotees. Speaking at the cultural programme, Arlekar questioned the motives behind such opposition, suggesting it stems from political expediency rather than genuine cultural disconnection. His remarks highlight ongoing tensions between the Raj Bhavan and the Pinarayi Vijayan-led administration, which has frequently clashed with the governor over issues of governance, education, and cultural practices.

Arlekar emphasised that elements like 'Bharat Mata'—a symbol of national personification rooted in India's independence movement—and 'gurupooja', a ritual where students wash teachers' feet to honour educators, are integral to Indian heritage and "in our blood, thought, and everything." He urged critics to openly declare if they lack the "sanctity, principles, and bhava (emotions)" for these traditions, rather than masking their stance for electoral gains. The Governor recounted recent complaints from schoolteachers and principals about resistance to 'gurupooja' in educational institutions, expressing dismay at the development in culturally vibrant Kerala. "I wondered how this is happening in a state which is culturally at the highest level," he said, underscoring what he sees as an erosion of the state's rich traditions.

The controversy over 'gurupooja' has simmered in Kerala for months, with the state education department issuing guidelines in August 2025 cautioning against mandatory implementation to avoid coercion, following protests from progressive groups and the Students' Federation of India (SFI), the CPI(M)'s youth wing. Similarly, 'Bharat Mata' imagery in schools has faced backlash for promoting nationalism over secularism, amid broader debates on the LDF's handling of cultural nationalism. Arlekar's comments appear to target these policies, positioning them as politically driven assaults on age-old customs.

Also Read: Three Killed, Child Critical in Hardoi Motorcycle Collision

Defending his ideological leanings, the governor revealed that his worldview is shaped by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of the BJP. "I also told him [a reporter] that if RSS speaks of building a nation and of society getting organised, what is wrong with it?" Arlekar stated, advocating for disseminating such messages to every household. Appointed in January 2024, Arlekar has often invoked RSS-inspired themes in public addresses, straining relations with the LDF, which accuses him of overstepping constitutional bounds. As Navratri unfolds, his intervention adds a political layer to the festivities, potentially galvanising conservative voters while deepening the rift in Kerala's polarised landscape ahead of future elections.

Also Read: Digital Garba: Creator Celebrates Navratri with Photos of NRI Friends