The Communist-led Kerala government is facing heavy criticism after registering a case under the Religious Institutions Act over the display of Indian nationalist and RSS founder Dr. K.B. Hedgewar during a Hindu festival—while taking no action against the public display of Hamas leaders, despite their designation as terrorists previously. The move was widely amplified on social media by Left-leaning media outlets and supporters of Congress and CPI(M).
The incident took place during the annual Pooram festival at the Ashramam Sree Krishna Temple in Kollam, where a portrait of Dr. Hedgewar was featured on an umbrella used in the elephant parade. This festival is a vibrant cultural competition between the Puthiyakavu Bhagavathi Temple—managed by an RSS-inspired trust—and the Thamarakkulam Ganapati Temple. Both temples traditionally parade 15 decorated elephants each, with changing umbrella designs (Kutamattam) that display images of deities, national icons, social reformers, scientists, and even global sports stars like Messi and Ronaldo.
This year, the display of Dr. Hedgewar’s image did not initially spark backlash. However, after media coverage and criticism from some Congress and left-wing figures, the issue escalated. The Youth Congress State Vice President filed a complaint, resulting in the Pandalam City Police registering a case under Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Religious Institutions Act. The portrait, notably, was displayed alongside icons such as Swami Vivekananda, Sreenarayana Guru, and Dr. Ambedkar.
Despite the temple not being under the control of the CPM-led Travancore Devaswom Board, media attention intensified, framing the incident as politically motivated. Local RSS supporters, however, downplayed the matter, suggesting that the controversy was artificially fueled.
Critics have pointed out a stark contrast in the state’s response to another incident during the Uroos festival in Thrithala, Palakkad, earlier in February. Banners displaying Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh—figures associated with a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., European Union, and others—were paraded atop elephants in front of thousands, including children. Despite the event’s visuals circulating widely online, no case was registered, and no official action was taken. CPI(M) Minister M.B. Rajesh and Congress leader V.T. Balram reportedly attended the event.
This perceived inconsistency in the government’s actions has reignited accusations of political bias. BJP leaders, including former State President K. Surendran, have strongly criticized the ruling government. “It’s troubling that nationalist figures face legal cases, while public displays featuring globally recognized terrorist leaders are ignored,” he stated.
This isn’t the first instance where alleged pro-Hamas sentiment has stirred controversy in Kerala. In 2024, the Kerala University Youth Festival was forced to change its name from “Intifada” due to backlash over its militant implications. A year earlier, former Hamas leader Khaled Mashal delivered a virtual speech at a rally in Malappuram organized by the Solidarity Youth Movement, intensifying concerns over extremist affiliations.
The contrasting handling of the two incidents—one involving a national figure and another involving internationally designated terrorists—has prompted a wider debate over law enforcement impartiality and accusations of appeasement politics within Kerala’s left-leaning governance.
(With inputs from Organiser)
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