THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has said that his party will lodge a formal complaint with CEO Teeka Ram Meena against a community organisation for seeking votes in the name of caste.
Without naming the NSS, the CPM leader said the organisation was openly seeking votes in the name of caste and selectively visiting the houses of the community members in Vattiyoorkavu constituency to get their support. This was in total violation of the Model Code of Conduct.He said Mr Meena had himself cited that soliciting votes in the name of caste, religion and community was against the model code of conduct and action would be taken if anyone files complaint.
Mr Meena on Thursday said the caste and community organisations should not directly intervene in electoral politics. This is completely wrong and unethical. They should not indulge in open politics. This is clearly against the model code of conduct. "You cannot make an appeal in the name of religion, caste and community. Such social organisational should confine themselves to social activities rather than indulging in open politics," he said.The CEO said secular tradition for which the state is known, should be upheld by everyone.
CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran said those soliciting votes in the name of caste are not going to find any success in Kerala. The voters of the state are enlightened and they do not vote for candidates in the name of caste or religion. He said the community organisations may say anything but one should not forget that the Kerala's is a democratic and secular society. Religion, caste and community appeal may work in other states because of the socio-political situation prevailing there. However, such tactics will not work in Kerala, he added.
