Election Commission Investigates BJP Candidate's Controversial Remarks in Kerala

Election Commission Seeks Report on BJP Candidate's Statements

On Monday, the Election Commission requested a report from the Thiruvananthapuram district collector regarding comments made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate PK Krishnadas. He suggested that a victory for either the Left Democratic Front (LDF) or the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the upcoming Assembly elections could result in incidents of 'love jihad' in Kerala, as reported by a local news outlet.

The electoral body is also seeking legal advice concerning this issue.

The term 'love jihad' refers to a controversial theory propagated by Hindutva proponents, alleging that Muslim men deceive Hindu women into relationships to facilitate their conversion to Islam. The Union home ministry has clarified to Parliament that there is no legal definition for this term within Indian law.

Rathan U Kelkar, the Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala, stated that his office would investigate the alleged hate speech, according to another news source.

During a rally on Sunday, Krishnadas, who is contesting from Kattakada, claimed that groups like the Social Democratic Party of India and Jamaat-e-Islami would exert influence over a government formed by the LDF or UDF.

He reportedly stated that Hindu and Christian girls would be targeted and 'recruited under the guise of love jihad for anti-national activities in Kerala,' as noted by a regional publication.

Krishnadas further alleged, 'When Marxist and Congress-led fronts come to power, who will truly control the government? It will be anti-national groups friendly to Pakistan.'

This speech occurred at a rally attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, although Krishnadas spoke after Shah had departed, according to reports.

In response to the backlash, Krishnadas asserted that his comments were not aimed at any specific religion and he stands by his statements.

He was quoted as saying that religious terrorists lack humanity or faith. He also indicated that he would legally address any inquiries from the Election Commission.

BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar distanced the party from Krishnadas's remarks, emphasizing that the party does not endorse his views, as reported by a local news outlet.

The Assembly elections in Kerala are scheduled to take place in a single phase on Thursday, with the results to be announced on May 4.