A local Congress leader from Pathanamthitta in Kerala, Reji Poovathoor, sparked controversy after posting a digital greeting wishing Pakistan on its Independence Day on August 14, a day before India celebrated its own Independence Day.
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Poovathoor, who is associated with the Congress in Pathanamthitta, shared a specially designed greeting card on his Facebook page featuring the Pakistani flag, a mosque and an image of himself wearing a Congress-style tricolour scarf.
The graphic prominently carried the words “14th August — Pakistan Independence Day” along with the year 1947.
The Malayalam text on the graphic also left little ambiguity about the nature of the message. It conveyed greetings to Pakistan and wished the country continued progress.
What The Graphic Said
The main text on the card reads, “Heartfelt Independence Day greetings to the independent nation.”
Another line on the graphic refers to “1947 — the historic day of independence.”
The central message reads, “May independent Pakistan, filled with peace, progress and unity, always move towards greater heights.”
The bottom of the graphic carries another Malayalam message meaning “Greetings with peace and love,” followed by Poovathoor’s name.
The design prominently displays the Pakistani flag alongside Islamic architectural imagery, while Poovathoor is pictured in front of it.
Post Deleted After Backlash
The post triggered criticism and political backlash on social media, particularly because it was published on August 14, Pakistan’s Independence Day, immediately before India’s Independence Day on August 15.
Following the backlash, Poovathoor deleted the graphic from his Facebook profile.
The controversy has also drawn attention to Poovathoor’s political association with the Congress in Pathanamthitta. Kerala State Election Commission records show a Reji Poovathoor as an elected Congress member in Enadimangalam Grama Panchayat.
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