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Kerala HC Praises Election Commission for Clean, Clutter-Free Polls

The Kerala High Court has formally commended the Election Commission for ensuring a visually clean and disciplined campaign season during the recent state polls. The court credited the strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct for curbing the usual clutter of boards and festoons. This judicial endorsement coincides with on-ground shifts, exemplified by Congress candidate Chandy Oommen's low-cost, cycle-based campaign which was joined by Rahul Gandhi. Together, these developments point to a potential recalibration in Kerala's political culture towards greater restraint and adherence to norms.

Key Points: Kerala HC Lauds Election Commission for Clutter-Free Polls

  • HC lauds EC for clean campaign
  • Strict MCC enforcement credited
  • Chandy Oommen's low-cost cycle campaign noted
  • Rahul Gandhi joined bicycle campaign
  • Signals shift in political culture
2 min read

Kerala HC lauds Election Commission for clutter-free polls

Kerala High Court commends EC for clean campaign, notes shift to low-cost, people-centric electioneering exemplified by Chandy Oommen's cycle campaign.

"the state had been largely spared the usual proliferation of boards, flags, and festoons - Harish Vasudevan, amicus curiae"

Kochi, April 13

In a notable judicial endorsement of election conduct in the state, the Kerala High Court has placed on record its commendation for the Election Commission for ensuring a visually clean and disciplined campaign season.

Hearing the case Rahul K.T vs St. Stephen's Malankara Catholic Church & Others, Justice Devan Ramachandran recorded the appreciation after amicus curiae Harish Vasudevan submitted that the state had been largely spared the usual proliferation of boards, flags, and festoons during the election, which concluded with polling on April 9.

The court observed that the strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct played a key role in curbing indiscriminate campaign displays, a recurring concern in previous elections.

While noting this positive shift, the court clarified that other issues in the case remain pending, adjourning the matter to be taken up after the court vacation due to a lack of time.

The court's remarks come amid a broader shift in campaign styles on the ground.

In Puthuppally, Congress candidate Chandy Oommen, son of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, drew widespread attention for consciously avoiding flex boards and opting for a low-cost, people-centric campaign.

Often seen cycling through the constituency to solicit votes, his approach struck a chord with voters and gained traction on social media.

The campaign received a further boost when senior party leader Rahul Gandhi joined him on a bicycle during the campaign visit, reinforcing the message of simplicity and accessibility.

Oommen later said his total campaign expenditure was around Rs 20 lakh, underscoring the viability of modest, compliant electioneering.

This commendation came after the state went to the polls on April 9 to elect 140 new legislators.

Together, the High Court's commendation and emerging campaign trends point to a potential recalibration in Kerala's political culture, one that favours restraint, civic responsibility and greater adherence to electoral norms.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Aman W
Chandy Oommen cycling for votes and spending only 20 lakhs? That's a breath of fresh air. In most constituencies, candidates spend crores just on banners. This is the kind of simplicity we need in Indian politics.
R
Rahul R
While I appreciate the cleaner look, let's not get carried away. The real test is whether this reduces the influence of money and muscle power in elections, or if it just shifts the spending to other, less visible areas. The EC must remain vigilant.
S
Sarah B
As someone who visited Kerala during the campaign, the difference was noticeable. The streets were so much cleaner and less chaotic. It felt more dignified. More power to the people who enforced the rules on the ground.
K
Karthik V
The image of Rahul Gandhi on a bicycle is powerful symbolism. But beyond the photo-op, if this leads to a permanent change in campaign culture where politicians actually connect with voters instead of just bombarding them with ads, that would be a true victory for democracy.
M
Meera T
Finally! Those plastic flex boards are an environmental nightmare. They just end up in landfills or clogging drains after the election. This is not just about clean visuals, it's about sustainable practices. Hope this becomes the norm across India. ♻️

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