Thiruvananthapuram/Kottayam: Even as the poll dates were announced in Kerala, the Election Commission said using Sabarimala issue in the campaigns would go against the model code of conduct.
The CEO told reporters that Sabarimala issue was a controversial matter as far as Kerala was concerned and using Supreme Court judgments or invoking or soliciting votes in the name of religion or by inciting religious feelings is a clear violation of the model code of conduct.
“Tomorrow, I am holding a meeting with political parties in this regard and I will be requesting them not to unnecessarily use this religious feeling or religious traditions to solicit votes as this may create some religious tensions among people. If that happens, action will be taken against those responsible,” Meena said.
This announcement made by the Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Teeka Ram Meena was termed as illogic by the BJP.
BJP state general secretary K Surendran slammed this directive. He said that the stand taken by the Kerala government on Sabarimala issue would be 100 per cent discussed in election campaigns and that no one can interfere in it.
The Lord Ayyappa Temple had recently witnessed frenzied protests by devotees opposing the implementation of the landmark 28 September Supreme Court verdict permitting women of all age groups into the temple.
The Lok Sabha elections will begin on 11 April and continue for over a month till 19 May and it will be held in seven phases. Followed by counting of votes on 23 May. Kerala will go to the polls on 23 April.