Thiruvananthapuram: Political activity in Kerala is rife with activity ahead of next month’s assembly elections. Amidst the intensified preparations by political parties for the election campaign and the increasing accusations and counter-accusations between the parties, a controversial statement by BJP candidate B. Gopalakrishnan has raised a new issue. Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Ratan U. Kelkar stated on Tuesday that a complaint had been received regarding Gopalakrishnan’s “Hindu MLA” statement, and that legal opinion had been obtained. Kelkar emphasized the need for prompt action, stating that a report based on this legal opinion would soon be sent to the Election Commission, and further action would be taken as per the Commission’s advice. It should be noted that opposition parties had already filed a complaint with the Election Commission regarding this statement, while the BJP dismissed it as merely a comment.
According to the Kerala CEO, legal opinion was received from the Standing Counsel on Monday. He said further action will be taken in accordance with the Election Commission’s guidance. However, he did not comment on possible action against the candidate at this time.
Earlier, amid the growing controversy, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar defended Gopalakrishnan on Monday. He said his statement was not directed against anyone and should not be construed as hate speech. He said the candidate was simply stating that the constituency needed a “trustworthy MLA” to address the issues of its devotees.
It is noteworthy that the controversy stems from a campaign video in which BJP leader and candidate Gopalakrishnan alleged that the Guruvayur constituency had not elected a Hindu MLA for nearly 50 years and that the Congress and Left Front had not fielded Hindu candidates in the constituency. The CPI(M) and Congress strongly condemned the statement and filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI). Following the intervention of the Election Commission, Guruvayur police filed a case against the BNS and under the Representation of the People Act.
