Used religious symbols for election campaign, LDF files complaint against Priyanka Gandhi

KALPATTA: A formal complaint has been lodged with the Election Commission against UDF candidate Priyanka Gandhi, contesting in the ongoing Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election. The complaint, filed by the LDF Parliamentary Constituency Committee, accuses Gandhi of violating election rules by using places of worship and religious symbols for political campaigning.

According to the complaint, Priyanka Gandhi visited the Pallikunnu Temple on November 10 as part of her election campaign. During her visit, she reportedly recorded videos and took photos while praying inside the temple, accompanied by priests and devotees, and allegedly used this footage as campaign material. This act, the LDF alleges, constitutes a breach of the election code of conduct, which restricts the use of religious symbols and places of worship for political purposes.

Priyanka’s visit to the Pallikunnu Temple was reportedly organized under the leadership of Congress leaders including T. Siddique, MLA and Wayanad DCC President N D Appachan. Within the temple premises, Congress leaders reportedly urged devotees to support Gandhi’s candidacy.

The LDF Parliamentary Constituency Committee claimed that this act was a blatant violation of election laws, alleging misuse of religious symbols to influence voters. The Election Commission has yet to respond to the complaint.