CEO, ECI officials colluding with CPI(M), Govt over seal row, alleges Kerala BJP
BJP’s Kerala unit on Saturday alleged that Election Commission of India (ECI) officials, including the State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), were colluding with the Government and the ruling CPI(M) to “undermine” free and fair polls in the State. Addressing a press conference here, BJP Kerala State general secretary S Suresh referred to a recent row in which a BJP seal was found on a document issued by the ECI to political parties, leading to the suspension of an official.
Suresh identified the suspended officer as Jaisal B Aziz, alleging that he is associated with an NGO union in the State secretariat.
He claimed that the officer, who had recently joined the service, was deputed to the ECI due to his alleged links with organisations such as the Democratic Youth Federation of India and the Students’ Federation of India.
“The BJP is concerned and suspects that ECI officials, including the Chief Electoral Officer, have become part of a ploy by the State Government and the CPI(M) to derail free and fair elections in the State,” Suresh said.
Suresh alleged that recent developments indicate a conspiracy against his party and that there was a “deal” between certain EC officials and the CPI(M).
He further alleged that both the LDF and the UDF, unsettled by the BJP’s growth, were engaging in illegal activities against the party.
“It is unfortunate that the ECI is becoming part of this,” he said.
Suresh also alleged that a labour officer who had worked under CPI(M) leader and Minister V Sivankutty was appointed as the returning officer for the Nemom constituency.
“Have we ever heard of such a thing before? It is a dangerous development that can undermine democratic elections. Does the Chief Electoral Officer have no eyes to see such practices?” he asked.
He also referred to a controversy over the transfer of officials by Additional Chief Electoral Officer George, alleging that EC officials were acting in tandem with the CPI(M).
“We have made a complaint to the ECI. Our complaint to the Chief Electoral Officer has not yielded any result,” he said.
Suresh claimed that the State’s election machinery was functioning as a “B team” of the Left Government and urged the ECI to intervene and remove politically influenced officials from poll duties.
He also alleged that Government vehicles were being used for Minister Sivankutty’s election campaign in Nemom. According to him, Sivankutty’s private secretary, Ramachandran Nair, continued to use a Government vehicle for campaign purposes.
Suresh further alleged that a complaint had been filed against Sivankutty for using his official letterhead as a minister for election-related work, but no action had been taken.
“The ECI should stop acting as a ‘B team’ of the CPI(M). All those who worked under Sivankutty should be removed from election duties in the Nemom constituency,” he said.
He added that the EC must ensure free and fair polls in Nemom, failing which it would be answerable for its actions.
The incident drew wider attention after a document circulated by the ECI to political parties in Kerala was found to bear a BJP seal.
CEO Rathan U Kelkar termed it a “clerical error” and ordered the suspension of the official concerned.
Subsequently, those who had shared the document carrying the BJP seal on social media were asked to remove their posts.
There was no immediate response from the CEO or the CPI(M) regarding Suresh’s allegations. Single-phase elections to 140 Assembly constituencies in Kerala will be held on April 9.
