Mohan Bhagwat restrained from hoisting Tricolour at Palakkad school, RSS chief defies order

Mohan Bhagwat was prohibited from hoisting the National flag at a school in Palakkad in Kerala on Independence day, however, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief went ahead with the programme defying the the district administration's order.

Mohan Bhagwat was prohibited from hoisting the National flag at a school in Palakkad in Kerala on Independence day, however, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief went ahead with the programme defying the the district administration's order.

Bhagwat was scheduled to hoist the flag at Karnakiyamman school in Palakkad, which is run by RSS supporters. However, Palakkad's district collector issued a statement adding that it was inappropriate for a political leader to hoist the national flag in an aided school.

The order is very clear on what can be done. We have abided by the rules. Let the government tell us whether we have violated any rule or law," VK Mani, a school official said.

A statement issued by Dr Manmohan Vaidya, RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh on Tuesday with regard to the restriction read, "Dr Mohanji 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 on 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."

He added, "After due consultations, the school authorities decided that they will proceed as planned and that Sarsanghchalakji must exercise his constitutional rights. Dr Mohanji Bhagwat hoisted the flag along with other institutional heads of the school. 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."