The Kerala High Court on Friday asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to consider the petition filed against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Guruvayur Assembly candidate P Gopalakrishnan in connection with his alleged communal remarks within two months.
A leader of the Kerala Students Union (KSU), the student wing of the Congress, has moved the Supreme Court against Gopalakrishnan, alleging that he violated the provisions of the Representation of People Act, 1951 by calling for the election of a “Hindu MLA” in Guruvayur.
“Since the representation has been received by the first respondent (ECI) and is awaiting consideration, I am of the view that the petition can be disposed of by direction, without going into merits, especially since any person aggrieved by any alleged practice contrary to law has remedy under the RP Act, 1951. Directing the first respondent to pass appropriate orders regarding the representation, in any case within two months,” Justice Bishu Kurian Thomas said.
The Supreme Court refused to make any comments on this matter, considering that this would have an impact on the elections scheduled for April 9.
BJP state vice-president Gopalakrishnan sparked a row by claiming that the two opposition fronts had refused to field a Hindu candidate in the Guruvayur Assembly elections even though the constituency has a 48% Hindu population. Located in Thrissur district, Guruvayur is home to the famous Sri Krishna Temple where thousands of people offer prayers daily. Guruvayur police have booked a case against him on the directions of the Election Commission of India.
The BJP leader has stood by his remarks, claiming that they are not communal in nature. His nomination forms were accepted by the returning official.
