Thrissur (Kerala), March 22 A controversy has erupted in Kerala, which is heading for elections, over alleged communal remarks made by BJP candidate B Gopalakrishnan in the Guruvayur constituency during his campaign video. The ruling CPI(M) and the opposition Congress have approached the Election Commission seeking action against him.
The Congress-affiliated student organization, Kerala Students' Union (KSU), also moved the High Court and filed a police complaint demanding stern action against the alleged remarks, which were allegedly laced with communal undertones.
The state Chief Electoral Officer, Rathan U Kelkar, has sought a report from the district collector regarding the controversial remarks.
The controversy revolves around a campaign video in which Gopalakrishnan allegedly claimed that the Guruvayur constituency had not elected a "Hindu MLA" for nearly five decades and alleged that both the Left and the Congress-led fronts had not fielded candidates from the community.
Guruvayur is an international pilgrimage center, and the "land of Lord Guruvayurappan" has been under the control of "temple administrators" for the past five decades, Gopalakrishnan alleged in the purported video.
"Why there has been no Hindu MLA in Guruvayur so far?" he allegedly asked.
Strongly criticizing his alleged remarks, senior Congress leader V D Satheesan said he was not surprised, as BJP leaders always seek votes by attempting to divide people based on religion and caste.
He said that Kerala is a state known for its communal harmony, and that is why constituencies like the Muslim-dominated Ponnani have MLAs from the Hindu community, and places like Guruvayur have elected legislators from the Muslim community many times.
"It is the Election Commission that should take action against him. We have already filed a complaint in this regard," he told reporters in Kochi.
CPI(M) Thrissur district secretary Abdul Khader also alleged that Gopalakrishnan's remarks were aimed at creating divisions among people, and that the BJP had no role in the development of the Guruvayur temple town.
He said that a formal complaint has been lodged with the Election Commission against the alleged communal comments.
Khader said that the development of Guruvayur has primarily been driven by secular parties and accused the BJP of pursuing divisive politics ahead of the elections.
He also questioned the contribution of Union Minister and Thrissur MP Suresh Gopi, asking what initiatives he had undertaken for the development of the Guruvayur Temple during his two-and-a-half years in office.
Gokul Guruvayoor, the president of KSU in Thrissur, in a Facebook post, said that a writ petition has been filed before the Kerala High Court seeking action, including the disqualification of the candidate.
He also said that complaints have been submitted to the district collector, district police chief, state election authorities, and the Guruvayur ACP, alleging that the remarks were aimed at creating communal divisions to influence voters.
There was no immediate response from the BJP leader on the allegations.
Meanwhile, CEO Kelkar told the media that appropriate action would be taken after receiving the collector's report.
"Our media team came across the video. Necessary legal action will be taken after the district collector's report is received," Kelkar said, adding that complaints have been received from various political parties.
He also reiterated that all political parties had been instructed to adhere to the Model Code of Conduct after it came into force.