SFI Complains to President Against BJP Tag on Keralam Governor’s Instagram Account
The SFI, which is the student wing of the CPM, emphasised that the Governor is required to function as the custodian of the Constitution and not as a representative of any political party.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Students Federation of India (SFI), has lodged a complaint with President Droupadi Murmu against Keralam Governor O.P. Mathur, alleging that the use of a BJP tag in his Instagram handle violates the constitutional principle of political neutrality.
In an email sent to the President, SFI Thiruvananthapuram district secretary Nandan M.A. stated that the Governor's Instagram handle, named "ommathurbjp" associates the constitutional office with a political party. The complaint argued that such a linkage runs counter to the principles of impartiality and neutrality expected of a Governor and could erode public trust in constitutional institutions.
The SFI, which is the student wing of the CPM, emphasised that the Governor is required to function as the custodian of the Constitution and not as a representative of any political party. Referring to Mathur's past association with the BJP, including earlier organisational roles in the party, the SFI sought the President's intervention to safeguard the dignity and neutrality of the Governor's office.
Lok Bhavan has not yet responded to the complaint.
Mathur was sworn in as the 29th Governor of Kerala on October 23, succeeding Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar, who was appointed Governor of Tamil Nadu.
Mathur also stirred controversy shortly after assuming office. He reportedly instructed Lok Bhavan staff not to prepare or serve non-vegetarian food in the kitchen.
Amid the uproar over the directive, Lok Bhavan sources clarified that Mathur, 72, is a strict vegetarian. He had asked the staff to avoid making non-vegetarian dishes in the kitchen where his meals were prepared.
However, there was no restriction on the personal food choices of Lok Bhavan staff members.