Thrissur: “Suresh Gopi, the NDA candidate of Thrissur has asked for votes in the name of Lord Ayyappa and has violated the model code of conduct,” said chief electoral officer Teeka Ram Meena.

Earlier, district collector, Thrissur, TV Anupama, had submitted a report to the chief electoral officer of Kerala, stating that she found Suresh Gopi prima facie guilty of having violated the model of conduct by allegedly using religious motifs to garner votes.

Regarding this Gopi has reportedly said that he was seeking votes in the backdrop of Sabarimala, but was adamant that he had not violated the model code of conduct "My Ayyan (lord Ayyappa), our Ayyan, if our Ayyan is an emotion for us, this brutal government will be given a befitting reply by the people of Kerala," Gopi was seen saying in a video.

Teeka Ram Meena on March 11 had said that proper guidelines would be given to the parties in the state for the upcoming Lok Sabha election. “The issue of women entry in Sabarimala cannot be used for the election campaign and it would be a violation of the code of conduct,” Meena said

Teeka Ram Meena added that strict measures would be imposed for using Sabarimala as the poll plank during the campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha election in Kerala. He also said that he would discuss the matter with representatives of all political parties.

The verdict of the apex court on September 28 last year allowing the entry of women of all age groups into the famous shrine had made Sabarimala a battlefield. Women of all ages should be allowed in Kerala's renowned Sabarimala temple, the Supreme Court ordered, ending the age-old ban.

At the same time many Ayyappa devotees also insisted that the election manifesto of political parties should clearly state that the party favours and will protect the Sabarimala temple.

Many Ayyappa devotees have posted posters on walls outside their homes, indicating that they will only vote for a candidate who will seek votes with the promise of supporting Sabarimala traditions.