THIRUVANNATHAPURAM: State electoral officer Teekaram Meena was all praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not mentioning Sabarimala at the election rally held in Kozhikode. He said, “The PM had not used the word Sabarimala in his speech. All should follow this. The party will ensure religion and rituals. Real issues should be discussed during election time”, he said.

Meena said polls are a secular process and that’s how the Supreme Court interpreted it. Do not discuss religion and faith overly and try to worsen friendly relations. Kerala is a state with good tradition. Religion and politics are not mixed here. All are liable to preserve such traditions. Votes should not be sought in the name of politics, religion and faith. All these have been mentioned in the election code of conduct, he said.