Case filed over RSS flag on floral carpet in Kerala, BJP chief says seditious

BJP Kerala state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has strongly criticised the Kerala Police for registering a case against Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers over a floral carpet (Pookkalam) that featured the RSS flag and the phrase "Operation Sindoor" outside the Parthasarathy temple in Kollam.

Calling the FIR “shameful and seditious,” Chandrasekhar demanded its immediate withdrawal, saying it was an insult to the armed forces and victims of terrorism.

“Operation Sindoor is our pride. It is the symbol of the valor 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,” said in a post on X.

“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!” it added.

The FIR was registered by Sasthamcotta police after the RSS flag was found in the floral design, despite prior instructions. According to police, both CPIM 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 agreed to the condition.

However, during the festival, the RSS flag was placed on the floral carpet. Police said that the case was filed because this act violated the agreement and could lead to tensions. Officials clarified that the FIR was not related to the words "Operation Sindoor" but specifically to the use of the RSS flag.

- Ends