27 RSS Activists Booked For Laying ‘Op Sindoor’ Floral Carpet In Kerala Temple; BJP Reacts

Last Updated:September 07, 2025, 09:36 IST

A Temple Committee member said that a High Court order bans any decorative items, including flags, near the temple compound. Despite this, the floral carpet was laid.

Floral carpet laid outside Kerala temple (Credits: X/@RajeevRC_X)

A case has been filed against 27 RSS activists for laying a floral carpet at a temple on Onam in Kollam district of the state, reported PTI, citing the Police. The carpet was made outside the Parthasarathy temple with the RSS flag and “Operation Sindoor” inscribed on it.

The Temple committee reported it as a violation of the Kerala High Court order. Speaking about the same, Temple committee member Mohanan told PTI that there had been frequent clashes over flag installations near the temple during festivals previously.

“To avoid such confrontations, we approached the High Court, which in 2023 banned any decorative items, including flags, near the temple compound,” he said.

He further added that despite the order, the floral carpet was laid with RSS flag and inscribed ‘Operation Sindoor’ with flowers right next to the temple committee’s floral design.

“Since this violated the High Court order and could spark clashes, we filed a complaint. We have full respect for Operation Sindoor, but this is not as the accused are portraying it,” the office-bearer said.

According to the report by PTI, the complaint has been filed under sections 223 (disobeying orders lawfully promulgated by public servants), 192 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), and 3(5) (criminal act committed by several people) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

BJP Calls It ‘Shocking’

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also reacted to the complaint, saying it was “absolutely unacceptable”. In a post on X, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said,”This is Kerala. It is a proud part of India. Yet, an FIR has been lodged for making a Pookkalam with the words “Operation Sindoor” in it. Absolutely Unacceptable! 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. Thousands of Malayalis wear the uniform, guard our borders, and lay down their lives for the Tricolor. In the name of every Malayali who believes in serving the nation, this FIR and this type of shameless appeasement will be opposed,” he added.

Kerala Police Issues Clarification

Warning of strict action against those spreading fake news, Kerala Police in an official statement clarified that the case has been filed for displaying flag poles and flexes in the temple premises against the court order.

“Various social media handles are spreading the news that the police have registered a case for putting Onam pookalam at the Parthasarathy temple in Muthupilakkad, Sasthamkotta. Strict action will be taken against those spreading such fake news,” said Kerala Police.

“The Sasthamkotta police have registered a case under F.I.R. No.: 1555/2025 for displaying flag poles and flexes in the temple premises against the court order. Making and spreading fake news is punishable,” it added.

(With inputs from PTI)

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Anushka Vats

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her…Read More

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her… Read More

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