Thiruvananthapuram, March 26 Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to the Chief Electoral Officer on Thursday, condemning the action taken against those who reacted to the 'BJP seal' issue.
The controversy revolves around a communication issued by the Election Commission to political parties in Kerala, which allegedly bore the seal of the BJP's office.
Political parties had criticised the Election Commission, and several individuals had shared the matter on social media, raising questions. Following this, the police issued notices asking them to remove the posts.
In his letter, the CM said that it was understood that the police had issued the notices at the request of the Election Commission.
He said that in a democratic country, such incidents would naturally invite public opinion and criticism, and that as long as such criticism does not cross the limits of decency or become defamatory or personal, it should be treated as freedom of expression.
Vijayan said that the dignity of a constitutional institution like the Election Commission must always be upheld, and that complete political neutrality should be reflected in its actions.
"Only by acting in such a manner can the Commission earn the respect it deserves," the CM said.
He also said that the circulation of a document bearing the seal of a party in power at the Centre cannot be dismissed as a "mere error" by an official.
Such an incident cannot be treated as an "accidental lapse", as important communications cannot be sent out without scrutiny by senior officials, he added.
Referring to the CEO's statement that an inquiry would be conducted at the Election Commission level, Vijayan urged that the findings of the probe be made public to political parties and citizens.
The controversy revolves around a communication issued by the Election Commission to political parties in Kerala, which allegedly bore the seal of the BJP's office.
Political parties had criticised the Election Commission, and several individuals had shared the matter on social media, raising questions. Following this, the police issued notices asking them to remove the posts.
In his letter, the CM said that it was understood that the police had issued the notices at the request of the Election Commission.
He said that in a democratic country, such incidents would naturally invite public opinion and criticism, and that as long as such criticism does not cross the limits of decency or become defamatory or personal, it should be treated as freedom of expression.
Vijayan said that the dignity of a constitutional institution like the Election Commission must always be upheld, and that complete political neutrality should be reflected in its actions.
"Only by acting in such a manner can the Commission earn the respect it deserves," the CM said.
He also said that the circulation of a document bearing the seal of a party in power at the Centre cannot be dismissed as a "mere error" by an official.
Such an incident cannot be treated as an "accidental lapse", as important communications cannot be sent out without scrutiny by senior officials, he added.
Referring to the CEO's statement that an inquiry would be conducted at the Election Commission level, Vijayan urged that the findings of the probe be made public to political parties and citizens.