Kerala: Savarkar's image in Thrissur Pooram umbrella sparks controversy
India Today
Authorities who organised the Thrissur Pooram in Kerala ran into a controversy after deciding to feature Hindutva icon Savarkar in an umbrella as part of the fest. It was withdrawn after objections were raised by the CPI(M) and the Congress.
The Paramekkavu Devaswom, an important temple group that is among the organisers of the renowned Thrissur Pooram, on Sunday ran into a controversy after its authorities decided to feature Hindutva icon V D Savarkar in an ornate umbrella as part of the upcoming festivities.
However, the temple authorities reportedly decided to withdraw the umbrella from display after leaders of the Congress and the CPI(M) raised an objection.
The umbrellas, featuring various renaissance and freedom movement leaders including Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh and other prominent leaders from Kerala, also had an image of Savarkar.
"We will not do anything that will affect the communal harmony or that may hurt the Pooram or affect the religious harmony of the festival. We do not want to politicise the Thrissur Pooram, which is an international event. Pooram is above politics," Paramekkavu Devaswom Secretary Rajesh told PTI.
However, he refused to comment on whether the board had decided to withdraw the umbrella or not, but reiterated that the temple authorities do not want any controversies around the Pooram.
The umbrellas are part of the "chamayam" of the Paramaekkavu Devaswom, an exhibition inaugurated by BJP leader and actor Suresh Gopi during the temple festival.
Congress leader Padmaja Venugopal said in a Facebook post that the Sangh Parivar agenda has been "forced into the Pooram" by including the image of Savarkar along with other prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Bhagat Singh.
