The Kerala unit of the BJP is caught in a bizarre flag dilemma. Should Bharat Mata hold the saffron flag, long associated with the RSS and Sangh Parivar? Or should she proudly wave the Indian tricolour?
Published Jun 22, 2025 | 6:47 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 22, 2025 | 6:47 PM
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar during the International Yoga Day programme at Kerala Raj Bhavan.
Synopsis: Even as Kerala debates the fissure between the Governor and the state government over displaying the portrait of ‘Bharat Mata’ at official functions, the state unit of the BJP appears to be in a dilemma over the flag the figurine should carry: the Tricolour or saffron.
In Kerala politics these days, even Bharat Mata seems confused about which flag to carry — saffron or tricolour.
She has the BJP state unit to thank for this identity crisis. Yes, you heard it right. The Kerala unit of the BJP is caught in a bizarre flag dilemma. Should Bharat Mata hold the saffron flag, long associated with the RSS and Sangh Parivar? Or should she proudly wave the Indian tricolour?
The party seems to be flipping flags faster than a chameleon changes colours.
It all started when Kerala Raj Bhavan, under Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, began using the traditional portrait of Bharat Mata with a saffron flag in official programmes.
This didn’t go down well with the ruling LDF and the Opposition UDF in the state, who accused the Governor of promoting the symbols of a particular religious-political camp from a Constitutional office.
The BJP, of course, stood by the saffron flag initially, claiming it symbolised valour, sacrifice, and tradition.
At the same time, former BJP state president K Surendran accused the Left and the Congress of having a saffron allergy and trying to befriend “the green party.”
However, no one, even Surendran, might have anticipated what came next.
BJP state unit’s poster on the Proud of Bharat Mata programme.
When the BJP Kerala decided to launch a statewide ‘Proud of Bharat Mata’ campaign, the saffron flag mysteriously vanished from their poster.
In its place was Bharat Mata holding the tricolour. Netizens, always alert and sharp-eyed, spotted the switch immediately.
Social media exploded with comments like:
“Does Bharat Mata change flags every weekend?”
“So even you agree there’s a problem with the saffron one!”
“Spot the difference challenge!”
Memes and trolls started flooding the BJP’s social media pages.
As if one U-turn wasn’t enough, when the BJP actually held the ‘Proud of Bharat Mata’ event, the portrait of Bharat Mata was back with the saffron flag!
More online teasing followed:
“Brother, you changed the flag again?”
“What’s wrong with you guys?”
“By now, even Bharat Mata must be wondering which flag she’s supposed to hold.”
BJP leaders during the Proud of Bharat Mata programme in front of the Secretariat.
Meanwhile, in the political ring, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala reminded the Governor that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu use the national flag in their offices — not the saffron one.
He suggested that Raj Bhavan learn from them instead of sending mixed signals.
The CPI(M) also slammed the Governor for treating Raj Bhavan like a Sangh shakha, while BJP leaders accused their critics of saffron-phobia.
And so, the saga continues.
With Bharat Mata’s flag changing more frequently than the weather during Kerala’s monsoon, this controversy is unlikely to end soon.
If it goes on like this, don’t be surprised if someone proposes a poll: “Which flag should Bharat Mata hold? Option one – Saffron. Option two – tricolour.”
One thing’s for sure — in Kerala politics, even the portraits have political standpoints.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
