Thiruvananthapuram, 27 March (H.S.):A complaint has been filed with the Returning Officer against Kerala Education Minister and LDF candidate from Nemom, V. Sivankutty, alleging misuse of official position during the election period.

The complaint was lodged by Advocate Prakash R.C., the BJP legal in-charge for the Nemom constituency. He alleged that Sivankutty had sought voters’ support by distributing letters across the constituency using his official position, which could amount to a violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

According to the petition, letters requesting support and assistance were distributed to households, allegedly on the minister’s official letterhead. The complainant argued that using government-linked communication for electoral purposes creates an unfair advantage and breaches election norms.

The Model Code of Conduct prohibits candidates from using official machinery or government resources to influence voters once elections are announced. The BJP functionary has urged the Returning Officer to take appropriate action in the matter.

Responding to the allegations, Sivankutty denied any wrongdoing. He clarified that he had not used any official letterhead bearing the state emblem, as claimed in the complaint. The minister maintained that the letters were sent in a personal capacity.

He further stated that the letters were issued on March 6 to key individuals in the constituency, seeking their support for future activities. Sivankutty pointed out that the election notification was issued only on March 15, indicating that the communication took place before the Model Code of Conduct came into effect.

Dismissing the complaint as baseless, the minister said his actions were within legal limits. The Returning Officer is expected to review the complaint and the explanation before taking a decision.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman