On Monday, Kerala Chief Electoral Officer warned the political parties that involving the Sabarimala temple during campaigning would be considered as the violation of election code of conduct which came into force after the Election Commission announced the general election on Sunday.
“Using Sabarimala issue for poll campaigning is the violation of the code. Specific directions will be issued to political parties after a meeting with them. Campaign in the name of God or religion will not be entertained..All digital contents posted by political parties or candidates will also fall under the purview of the code of conduct”, said CEO Teeka Ram Meena while addressing the media.
It was in September last year that Supreme Court gave its verdict allowing women of all ages to worship at the hill temple and the state had witnessed a series of agitations. Trouble started when the Left Front government decided to implement the apex court order. “The temple can’t used to instigate religious feelings. It should not be given a religious dimension. We will keep a strict tab on such activities”, said Meena. He said the issue can’t be exploited to garner votes.
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The ruling CPI(M) has welcomed the CEO directive. However, Meena warning to political parties drew a sharp reaction from the BJP. “The Election Commission can’t dictate what political parties should raise during the campaigning. The inept handling of the Sabarimala is a major issue and we will raise it strongly”, said state general secretary K Surendran.
After the BJP and Congress made it clear that Sabarimala will be one of the poll issues, the Electoral Officer caution is of great significance.
Traditionally, women in the 10-50 age group were barred in the temple as the presiding deity Lord Ayyappa is considered to be “naistika bramachari (eternal celibate). Protests by devotees and right wing supporters opposing the entry of women into the temple created turbulence in Kerala for almost five months after the Supreme Court verdict.