The BRICS TimesA controversy erupted in Kollam after temple officials complained that a floral carpet featuring the RSS flag and Operation Sindoor message went against a Kerala High Court directive.
A floral decoration, or ‘pookalam’, prepared as part of Onam celebrations at a temple in Kerala’s Kollam district has triggered a heated dispute, leading to the booking of 27 Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) members.
The matter came to light after temple authorities alleged that the design of the floral carpet defied a High Court ruling, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defended the act, asserting that it was carried out to “honour Operation Sindoor.”
The incident took place at the Parthasarathy temple in Muthupilakk, where a pookalam was displayed featuring the RSS flag alongside an inscription paying tribute to Operation Sindoor. Temple committee member Mohanan explained that clashes had repeatedly broken out in the past over flag placements near the shrine during festive occasions.
“To avoid such confrontations, we approached the High Court, which in 2023 banned any decorative items, including flags, near the temple compound. Despite this, RSS activists laid a floral carpet with their flag and inscribed ‘Operation Sindoor’ with flowers right next to the temple committee’s floral design. Since this violated the High Court order and could spark clashes, we filed a complaint. We have full respect for Operation Sindoor, but this is not as the accused are portraying it,” a temple committee office-bearer told PTI.
Police confirmed that the FIR was filed following a complaint lodged by committee member Asokan C, who highlighted that the floral display was erected in violation of the High Court’s order. The pookalam, meant as part of the temple’s Onam festivities, has now turned into a matter of political controversy.
The BJP sharply criticised the police action. In a statement, the party called the move against the 27 RSS activists “shocking.” State BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar openly questioned whether Kerala was functioning under Jamaat-e-Islami or akin to Pakistan’s rule. He also cautioned that the party would take legal recourse if the FIR was not immediately revoked.
“This is Kerala. It is a proud part of India. Yet, an FIR has been lodged for making a Pookkalam with the words “Operation Sindoor” in it. Absolutely Unacceptable!” Chandrashekhar wrote on X.
Chandrashekhar went on to say that Operation Sindoor represented the courage and bravery of the Indian armed forces and that filing a case over it amounted to “insulting” the sacrifices of soldiers who protect the country.
Echoing this criticism, BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya alleged that the police action was driven by appeasement politics. “In Kerala’s Kollam district, police forced the removal of an Onam Pookalam simply because it carried the words “Operation Sindoor.” This isn’t Pakistan. This is Kerala under Left rule, where even flowers with patriotic messages are treated as a threat. All for appeasement of one section. And yet, the same Left never misses a chance to lecture the nation on free speech. Hypocrisy at its peak!” he wrote on X.
The Kerala Police invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 223 for disobeying lawful orders of public servants, Section 192 for giving provocation with intent to cause riots, and Section 3(5) related to criminal acts involving several individuals.
The FIR further noted that a flex board bearing the image of Chhatrapati Shivaji was also set up approximately 50 metres from the temple. Authorities allege the act was aimed at provoking a clash between opposing political factions, deepening the communal tension surrounding the incident.
