There is a well-known saying that boundaries cannot be fixed for war or love. Similarly, in election campaign, there is no limit for election tactics a party can use against their opponents. It is common for parties to use any trick to ensure their victory.
Legal recourse a party has to take due to serious violations of model code of conduct is not an uncommon thing.
There are also examples of election cases that remind one that oral or written statements should be made very carefully.
What is more acceptable is not subjects that instil grudge or wrath but an approach that gives importance to stands and ideologies.
The Election Commission Monday warned political parties in Kerala not to use the Sabarimala temple matter as a campaign issue, drawing a sharp reaction from the BJP which termed the directive "illogical."
Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Teeka Ram Meena said "citing or invoking" religious propaganda on the "Sabarimala issue" would be a clear violation of the model code of conduct. Inviting religious feelings, using any kind of Supreme Court judgement, invoking or soliciting the votes in the name of religion or by inciting religious feelings is a clear violation of the model code of conduct,

The CEO also said the commission would not allow any kind of violation that puts a particular political party at an advantage over another.
Citing or invoking or doing something of religious propaganda on the Sabarimala issue by invoking the name of Sabari God, etc., will be a clear violation of the model code of conduct.
There is nothing usual about any topic being discussed during the election campaign. But experienced politicians are very much aware that campaigns that instil communal hatred will only boomerang.
However, the instruction that Sabarimala issue should not be alluded during election campaigns is a debatable matter.
Those trying to trigger communal disharmony and reap political mileage out of it can be subjected to legal action. But the doubt is whether the warning that even the word Sabarimala should not be uttered is a breach of right to expression enshrined in the democratic system.
During election campaign any issue that affects people opens up discussions. In democracy healthy discussions and criticism are necessary.
It should not be forgotten that commoners find election days as the occasion for opinion formation. Campaign meetings are big venues where people can evaluate good things and bad things of incumbent governments and elect a representative accordingly.
All parties usually use campaign venues to express their opinion freely and make maximum gain out of it.
Sabarimala issue is not new to Kerala people. It is natural for the topic to come up for discussion campaign meetings.
Much has been said about this and now it need not be seen as an explosive topic.
Voters are educated and having their own opinions on different topics and hence, it would be foolish to think that they would be misguided by ‘maidan’ speeches.
Ramajanbhoomi issue and demolition of Babri Masjid have also been much-discussed topics ahead of elections and no action is known to have taken against this.
Having said this, it is better for political parties to make code of conduct on their own and work within its stipulations.
This will help them avoid unnecessary controversies. Recently, claims in the name of Indian army were also seen in election advertisements of the Central government and speeches of their leaders.
Such actions have also been restricted by the party. Whatever be the restrictions, many parties throw all norms to wind when election campaigns hot up.