THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief electoral officer Teeka Ram Meena denied permission for the function attended by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan amidst speculations that the former will be shifted from the post due to the dissatisfaction of CPM related to bogus voting. Permission was denied for the function of the state level inauguration of students market organised by consumerfed across the state. Though polling has ended, model code of conduct exists. Meantime, there were immediate interventions, but the ministers later decided to stay away from the function. Government sources informed that they will abide the directions of Meena.

Consumerfed MD approached the election commission seeking relaxation on the model code of conduct for the function attended by Minister Kadakampally Surendran as the chief guest. However, permission was denied stating that either secretary (cooperative department) or the chief secretary should have sought permission for the function.