Kerala’s Chief Electoral Officer on Monday warned political parties that invoking the Sabarimala temple during campaigning would be considered as the violation of election code of conduct which came into force on 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,” he said. All digital contents posted by political parties or candidates will also fall under the purview of the code of conduct,” CEO Teeka Ram Meena said while addressing the media.

After Supreme Court verdict last September allowing women of all ages to worship at the hill temple the state had witnessed a series of agitations. Trouble started when the Left Front government decided to implement the apex court order. 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).

“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 blatantly to garner votes.

Meena’s 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.

The ruling CPI(M) has welcomed the CEO’s directive.

The emotional issue has stirred political firmament of the state and both BJP and Congress blamed the state government saying its affidavit in the Supreme Court had resulted in the verdict. The Electoral Officer’s caution assumes significance after the BJP and Congress made it clear Sabarimala will be one of the poll issues.

Protests by devotees and right wing supporters opposing the entry of women into the temple roiled Kerala for almost five months after the Supreme Court verdict.

Flex boards banned

In another development on Monday, the Kerala High Court has banned flex boards and directed political parties to use only environment-friendly materials for the campaigning. The court said the local self-government department will be held responsible if flex boards and hoardings were found. The court also observed that political parties and film entities were main culprits.

The high court’s order came after a Thiruvananthapuram-based activist K Shyamkumar moved the court saying though there were many restrictions these were flouted much impunity. Since the Lok Sabha election is around teh corner, flex boards and hoardings will flood roads, busy intersections and markets, he pointed out in his plea.

First Published: Mar 11, 2019 18:07 IST