A case has been filed against RSS and BJP workers in Kollam over a floral carpet, or 'Pookkalam', that featured the RSS flag and the words 'Operation Sindoor.'
The floral design was created outside the Parthasarathy temple, and the incident has drawn a sharp response from Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar. He described the registration of the FIR against the workers as "shameful" and "seditious".
Officials clarified that the FIR was not filed because of the phrase 'Operation Sindoor' but specifically because of the use of the RSS flag. In a post on X, Chandrasekhar demanded the FIR's immediate withdrawal, stating that it was an insult to the armed forces and the victims of terrorism.
"Operation Sindoor is our pride. It is the symbol of the valour and courage of India’s armed forces. It is an operation that avenged the death of 26 innocent tourists who were killed after being asked their religion. This FIR by Kerala Police is an insult to each of those 26 victims of terror and their families, and also every soldier who defends India with his blood and sacrifice,” he wrote.
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Chandrasekhar continued his criticism, adding: “Kerala is not, and will never be, a land ruled by Jamaat-e-Islami or Pakistan. Kerala Police must not forget that this is India. To them and to the CM/Home Minister Pinarayi Vijayan ji, I say withdraw this shameful and seditious FIR. Now!”
The FIR was registered by Sasthamcotta police after the RSS flag was found in the floral design, despite prior instructions. According to police, both CPI (M) and BJP workers had been asked not to display political flags or symbols in the 'Pookkalam' due to earlier tensions in the area. Police said both sides had agreed to this condition.
However, during the festival, the RSS flag was placed on the floral carpet. The police stated that the case was filed because the act violated the agreement and had the potential to lead to local tensions.
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