Deepali Kalia-
On 28th July, the Kerala High Court issued a notice in a petition filed by M Swaraj, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader challenging the election of K Babu, Congress leader from Tripunithura constituency in the assembly elections of 2021.
In the present case, the notice was issued by Single Judge Justice Shircy V.
It was contended by M Swaraj that Babu’s victory in the 2021 assembly elections should be declared null and void based on the fact that the latter had solicited votes from the public by using the Sabarimala controversy to his advantage.
M Swaraj argued that the votes were canvassed by K Babu in the name of Lord Ayyappa which was clearly in violation of the election code of conduct.
It was further submitted by Swaraj that K Babu had while campaigning pointed to Swaraj’s speech regarding Lord Sabarimala Ayyappa’s marriage and said that Swaraj had acted against the true Hindu faith.
The Congress leader, therefore, said that one should cast vote in the name of Lord Ayyappa and not for Swaraj as he was a Hindu in name only, Swaraj contended.
By making such assertions, Swaraj argued that he was termed as unsuitable by Congress to represent the Tripunithura Assembly constituency where most of the voters were Hindus and Ayyappa devotees.
Hence, Swaraj sought to set aside the election result on May 2nd which had declared Babu’s victory and also sought that he be declared as elected instead.
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