RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat defies Kerala govt's order, unfurls tricolour at school in Palakaad

Palakaad: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday defied the CPI (M)-led government's orders in Kerala and unfurled the national flag at a school here.

Addressing the students, Bhagwat said, "It is our duty to remember the sacrifices and hard efforts of those who laid down their lives during the struggle for Independence. We have to bring that dedication to our lives".

Independence, he said, was "sacred" and "we have to protect it."

Sarsanghchalak Dr.Mohanji Bhagwat participated in #IndependenceDay celebrations at Karnakayamman Higher Secondary school,Palakkad,Kerala pic.twitter.com/SNh6zotty1 — RSS (@RSSorg) August 15, 2017

Palakaad District Collector P Marykutty had issued an order late last night stating that since the Karnagi Amman school was government-aided, only elected representatives or school authorities could hoist the flag, as per protocol.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) said in a statement that "Poojaneeya SarSanghachalak Dr Mohan ji Bhagwat was invited by the management of Karnakayamman Higher Secondary school, Palakkad, Kerala, to participate in the golden jubilee celebrations of the school and Independence Day celebrations. At 11 pm of 14th August 2017, the headmaster of the school received a notice from the District Collector stating that only the institutional heads or an elected representative can unfurl the national flag in the school. It is however, learnt that no other school had been given similar information."

"After due consultations, the school authorities decided that they will proceed as planned and that Sarsanghchalak ji must exercise his constitutional rights. Dr Mohan ji Bhagwat hoisted the flag along with other institutional heads of the school. We condemn such brazen attempts by the CPI-M led government of Kerala to deny the basic citizen rights of celebrating Independence Day and their continuous attempts to poison the state of Kerala with divisive politics," Manmohan Vaidya, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, RSS said.

Dr.Manmohanji Vaidya statement on Kerala govt's attempt to stop Sarsanghachalak from hoisting the national flag https://t.co/KCOHD1hjmm — RSS (@RSSorg) August 15, 2017

Meanwhile, the DC has said that the administration would take action in the matter.

"We will give instruction to the police to register a case," she said, as per PTI.

Bhagwat was in the state to take part in a two-day meeting of the Sangh which began here yesterday.

The state has witnessed political violence involving activists from the ruling CPI(M) and the RSS.

(With Agency inputs)