THRISSUR: The NDA candidate at Thrissur, Suresh Gopi, gave an explanation to the District Collector T.V. Anupama on Monday that he hadn’t violated the election code of conduct. In his reply, he denies using the words Sabarimala Temple and Ayyappan. “The Central Election Commission has directed against campaigns that may cause communal rifts. I haven’t done any such things. Sabarimala is the name of a place. I haven’t mentioned Sabarimala Temple or Ayyappa swami”, Suresh Gopi said.

He has also asked time for a detailed explanation, or else, he will proceed legally.

The District Collector, T.V. Anupama send the notice to Suresh Gopi for violating election code of conduct after analyzing video footage of the controversial speech. As per the notice issued on April 6, Gopi was asked to explain his speech within 48 hours.