Kerala Assembly Election 2021 LIVE Updates: The Union minister claimed that Devaswom boards had becomes 'centres of CPM activities', and added that they would be taken over by devotees if the saffron party gained power
Representational image. PTI
Kerala Assembly Election 2021 LATEST News and Updates: Attacking the Left government in Kerala ahead of the April 6 Assembly elections, Union Minister D V Sadananda Gowda on Monday said the southern state was becoming a hub of "anti-national activities". At a press meet , Gowda said if the BJP comes to power in Kerala, a law similar to the love jihad law formulated in Uttar Pradesh will be passed.
The Election Commission has banned 'bike rallies' 72 hours before the date of polling and on the polling day in all election-going constituencies amid reports that "anti-social elements" use motor bikes to intimidate voters.
In a directive issued to chief electoral officers of poll-bound West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry, the poll body pointed out that it has been brought to its notice that "in some places bikes are used by anti-social elements to intimidate the voters before the poll day and/or on poll day."
After considering the reports, the Commission has decided that "bike rallies shall not be allowed at any place 72 hours before date of poll or on the poll day in all poll-going constituencies," the directive said. The EC also asked its chief electoral officers to inform all stakeholders concerned, including candidates, political parties and the Commission's observers, to ensure strict compliance of the directions.
Congress' Pryinaka Gandhi Vadra accused the BJP of functioning like a mafia, and running syndicates in Assam.
The Kerala High Court on Monday rejected the petitions filed by three BJP-led NDA candidates against the decision of the returning officers rejecting their nominations for the April 6 Assembly election. Justice N Nagaresh accepted the contention of the Election Commission that the court cannot interfere once the notification for the polls has been issued.
Addressing a rally in Bankura district, Mamata Banerjee described the BJP as a "party of outsiders", and alleged that it is bringing "goondas to create terror" in the state. "The BJP has made a false promise of free supply of ration. It will never fulfil this," she said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the BJP worked for the state's development whereas Congress' victory will result in a surge in infiltration in the state.
BJP chief JP Nadda said voting for his party would lead to development, while voting Congress to power would bring darkness. Speaking at a Dibrugarh rally, he said the party protected the region's culture and language.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda will address three rallies each in Assam, days ahead of the commencement of Assembly polls in four states and one Union Territory on 27 March.
Assam Chief Minister Sarbanand Sonowal will also be taking part in four rallies, while Congress star campaigner and general secretary Priyanka Gandhi will address at least three rallies.
Priyanka on Sunday attacked the BJP-led government in Assam for not fulfilling the promises made by its leaders during the last elections. She alleged that Assam in the last five years had "two chief ministers" instead of a strong chief minister. Hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the anti-CAA protests in Assam, she said, "When anti-CAA protest was at its peak in Assam, why didn't the Prime Minister feel sorry? When Assam was burning, why didn't he feel sorry? Why didn't he appear before you?"
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said the BJP has revealed its ‘true face’ by promising to approve the implementation of the CAA in West Bengal in its manifesto.
In West Bengal, minister and Trinamool Congress leader Firhad Hakim resigned as the Chairman of Kolkata Municipal Corporation after the Election Commission's advice, as he is contesting in the state polls.
Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry will go to polls in eight phases, beginning 27 March. The counting of votes in all states and UTs will be conducted on 2 May.
