RSS justifies Bhagwat hoisting national flag, slams Kerala government [Video]

The RSS has condemned the Kerala government for its alleged attempt to prevent the organisation's chief Mohan Bhagwat from hoisting the national flag at a school in Palakkad on Independence Day.

RSS chief Bhagwat unfurled the national flag at the Karnakayamman High School in Moothanthara, defying a district administration order. 

"We condemn such brazen attempts by the CPM-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," the RSS said in a statement. 

Palakaad district collector P Marykutty had issued an order on Monday night, stating that only elected representatives, school authorities or government officials can hoist the tricolour at the government-aided institution. 

Since the Karnakayamman High School is government-aided, only elected representatives or school authorities could hoist the flag as per protocol. However, the RSS chief arrived at the school on Tuesday and unfurled the tricolour. 

The collector said the administration will take action in the matter. "We will give instruction to the police to register a case," Marykutty pointed out. 

Bhagwat was in Kerala to take part in a two-day meeting of the Sangh Parivar which began in Palakkad on Monday. The state has witnessed political violence involving activists from the ruling CPM and the RSS. 

Addressing the students on I-Day, 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."

"Since 1857-1947, our leaders strove to get our Independence and they sacrificed everything. Our independence is very sacred thing for us. We have to protect it," he added.

• RSS
• Mohan Bhagwat
• Palakkad
• CPM