Thrissur, 22 March (H.S.):: A case has been registered against NDA candidate B Gopalakrishnan in Guruvayur following a controversial statement referring to the absence of a “Hindu MLA” in the constituency. The action was taken by the Guruvayur Temple Police after a complaint by the CPI(M), which alleged that the remark violated the Model Code of Conduct by promoting communal sentiments.

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) had earlier sought a detailed report from the Thrissur District Collector regarding the statement. Based on the Collector’s findings that Gopalakrishnan had indeed violated election norms, instructions were issued to initiate legal proceedings.

According to officials, the complaint stemmed from a video shared on social media in which Gopalakrishnan claimed that Guruvayur, despite having a 48 percent Hindu population, had not elected a Hindu MLA in the past 50 years. He further alleged that both the Left and the UDF had failed to consider candidates from the Hindu community. The video, which triggered widespread criticism, has since been removed from social media platforms.

Reacting to the controversy, Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U. Khelkar reiterated that strict action would be taken against any candidate making communal or divisive remarks during the election period. He emphasized that all political parties had been clearly instructed to adhere to the Model Code of Conduct, especially after it came into force.

Election authorities have warned that any attempt to influence voters through religion or caste-based appeals would be dealt with firmly. The incident has added to the growing tensions in the constituency as campaigning intensifies ahead of the polls.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman