In a controversial incident, police in Kerala’s Kollam district forced the removal of an Onam Pookalam (floral decoration) after it was found carrying the words “Operation Sindoor.”
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… pic.twitter.com/d7GPaSY41S
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) September 6, 2025
The Sasthamcotta police have registered a case against 24 RSS members for creating an Athapookalam (Onam floral carpet) that displayed the words “Operation Sindoor” and included a saffron flag resembling RSS insignia at a temple premises in Kollam district. This action followed a complaint lodged by the temple committee, citing authority from a High Court directive that explicitly prohibits political slogans, flags, or party symbols near places of worship.
The action has triggered sharp criticism, with many questioning why a harmless patriotic message should be treated as objectionable. Critics allege that the decision reflects the state government’s appeasement politics, pointing out that while the ruling Left frequently positions itself as a defender of free speech, it has now acted against a cultural expression during Onam.
Observers note that the same government often accuses others of intolerance but has displayed selective application of free speech principles within Kerala.
In Kerala, an FIR has been filed for making a Pookkalam with “Operation Sindoor” on it.
If this happened in Pakistan, it may have been expected but in India, it is atrocious & unacceptable. Operation Sindoor is Bharat’s pride, symbolising the valour of our armed forces. To…
— BJP KERALAM (@BJP4Keralam) September 6, 2025
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