FIR lodged against BJP's B Gopalakrishnan over 'Hindu representative' remarks

THRISSUR: A case has been registered against BJP candidate B. Gopalakrishnan for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in the Guruvayur constituency. Acting on instructions from Chief Electoral Officer Dr. Ratan Khelkar, the Thrissur District Collector filed the case following a complaint regarding Gopalakrishnan’s controversial remark that the constituency requires a "Hindu representative." The video containing the statement has since been removed from social media.

The charges involve violations of Section 123(3) of the Representation of the People Act (1951) and specific MCC provisions which prohibit candidates from seeking votes based on caste, religion, or communal sentiments.

Gopalakrishnan, who serves as the BJP State Vice President, is also accused of violating rules prohibiting the use of places of worship for election campaigning. An FIR has been lodged at the Guruvayur Temple Police Station. Notably, the legal proceedings do not disqualify Gopalakrishnan from contesting the election.