India
IUML MLA KM Shaji was accused of winning Assembly polls in Kerala by a margin of 2,287 votes in 2016, by using corrupt practises.
Thiruvananthapuram: MV Nikesh Kumar, candidate of Left Democratic Front (LDF) had filed a case against Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MLA KM Shaji from Azhikode, for using religion to win the Kerala Assembly elections in 2016, which both were contesting for. The Kerala high court under the jurisdiction of Justice PD Rajan disqualified KM Shaji for six years. The Justice also requested the Kerala Assembly speaker and the Election Commission to take appropriate action.
Kumar, in his petition, stated that Shaji used religion to hit the victory stand during polls. Being a Muslim, he urged people of Islamic faith to vote for him and not to vote for anyone, who does not believe in Islam, Kumar alleged.
IUML reacted by saying that it would try and challenge the verdict of the court. The political party is affiliated to Congress-led opposition - United Democratic Front (UDF) in the state.
Shaji had won the Assembly elections by a margin of 2,287 votes.
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