Kerala CM Demands Public Probe After EC Circular Carried BJP Seal

Overview

• Vijayan, in a letter Thursday to Kerala’s Chief Electoral Officer, called the episode a breach of neutrality and condemned police notices sent to critics.
• A communication sent by the Election Commission to parties in Kerala reportedly carried the BJP’s office seal, raising doubts about the poll body’s impartiality.
• Several people who posted about the seal online received police notices to remove their posts, which the chief minister said curbs lawful speech unless the remarks are defamatory.
• The Chief Electoral Officer has indicated an internal inquiry, and the chief minister urged that the findings be shared publicly with parties and citizens.
• The Election Commission has described the lapse as a clerical error and acted against a staffer, while opposition parties allege an improper nexus that could erode public confidence.