Kerala Governor Honours Sangh Parivar Cyber Group At Lok Bhavan, Draws Criticism

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar has drawn sharp criticism after inviting and honouring a group involved in online campaigns supporting the Sangh Parivar at the Lok Bhavan.

The controversy came to light after it emerged that a nine-member group, which calls itself “cyber warriors,” was received at the Lok Bhavan and honoured by the Governor with ceremonial shawls. Several members of the group have earlier faced allegations of spreading hate content on social media.

The felicitation took place at a function held at the Lok Bhavan a few days ago. Those honoured are known for actively promoting Sangh Parivar ideology through coordinated online campaigns, including in support of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

The Lok Bhavan has stated that the meeting was allowed after the group sought an appointment with the Governor. However, the act of formally honouring them went beyond a routine meeting and amounted to granting official recognition to controversial cyber campaigns.

Photographs from the meeting and the felicitation ceremony were later shared by the participants themselves on social media, triggering widespread public reaction.

The incident has raised serious questions about the conduct expected from a constitutional authority. By hosting and honouring such groups at the official residence, the Governor has strengthened concerns that Rajendra Arlekar, who assumed office in Kerala after Arif Mohammed Khan, is continuing a pattern of openly extending support to the Sangh Parivar’s political agenda.