Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar on Monday asserted that India is not a theocratic nation but an inclusive republic that treats all its citizens equally, stating that the country’s greatest strength lies in its ability to embrace diversity without losing its civilisational character. Addressing the Republic Day parade at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, the Governor said India has upheld democratic values for over seven decades and is today globally recognised as the “mother of democracy.”
The ceremony, however, was marked by a fresh flashpoint in the ongoing standoff between the Governor and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. While Arlekar hoisted the national flag, inspected the parade and received the ceremonial salute, he departed from established protocol by not reading the printed speech circulated at the function. Traditionally, the Republic Day address is prepared by the state government in consultation with Raj Bhavan, making the Governor’s deviation politically significant.
The move comes amid a broader constitutional and political dispute following changes made by the Governor to the policy address at the beginning of the Assembly session. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had later read out portions omitted by the Governor, triggering sharp exchanges between the elected government and Raj Bhavan. The Governor’s office subsequently sought clarification, even writing to the Assembly Speaker requesting the official text and video footage of the speech delivered by the Chief Minister.
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Despite the political tension, the Governor used the occasion to highlight Kerala’s achievements and contributions to the nation. He expressed pride in the state’s strong presence in this year’s Padma Awards, calling the Padma Vibhushan conferred on former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan a matter of immense honour. He also cited the awards to Justice K.T. Thomas, P. Narayanan, actor Mammootty, Vellappally Natesan, and Padma Shri recipients Kalamandalam Vimala Menon and Devaki Amma as reflections of Kerala’s cultural and intellectual influence.
Emphasising cooperative federalism, Arlekar said the Centre and states are partners in national development, not adversaries. While differences of opinion are inevitable, he noted that progress requires shared vision and collective effort. Calling upon states to work towards the goal of a “Developed India” by 2047, the Governor also highlighted Kerala’s achievements in education, healthcare and social development, and urged citizens to actively participate in the democratic process on the occasion of National Voters’ Day.
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