'Operation Sindoor' pookkalam sparks row in Kerala: FIR against RSS workers; BJP’s Rajeev Chandrasekhar slams govt

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Saturday condemned the state govt for registering a police case against RSS functionaries who created an Operation Sindoor-themed pookkalam (floral carpet) outside the Parthasarathy temple at Sasthamcotta in Kollam. Beside the carpet, the RSS flag was also drawn using flowers, which apparently led to the police case. "This is Kerala. It is a proud part of India. Yes, an FIR has been lodged for making a pookkalam with the words Operation Sindoor in it. Absolutely unacceptable," Chandrasekhar wrote on X. The BJP leader said that 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, he said. "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. Thousands of Malayalis wear the uniform, guard our borders and lay down their lives for the Tricolour. In the name of every Malayali who believes in serving the nation, this FIR and this type of shameless appeasement will be opposed. Kerala is not, and will never be, a land ruled by Jamaat-e-Islami or Pakistan," Chandrasekhar said."Kerala Police should not forget that this is India. To them and to the CM/Home Minister @Pinarayi Vijayanji, I say withdraw this shameful and seditious FIR. Now!" he said on X. Meanwhile, temple authorities, who lodged a complaint with the police, said a complaint was registered for RSS workers violating a court order that banned erection of flags, decorations and flex boards to maintain law and order in the area. The RSS flag drawn with flowers was a violation of the court order. BJP was trying to distort facts, they claimed.