Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday wrote to the Chief Electoral Officer, criticising action taken against individuals who commented on the ‘BJP seal’ controversy and urging that democratic dissent be respected.
The row centres on a communication issued by the Election Commission of India to political parties in Kerala that allegedly carried the office seal of the Bharatiya Janata Party, triggering criticism from across the political spectrum.
Following the circulation of the document, several individuals shared posts on social media questioning the lapse. Police subsequently issued notices asking them to remove the content, reportedly at the behest of election authorities.
In his letter, Vijayan said such reactions were a natural consequence in a democracy and should not invite punitive action.
He emphasised that public criticism, as long as it remains within the bounds of decency and is not defamatory or personal, must be treated as an expression of free speech.
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The Chief Minister also underscored the importance of maintaining the dignity and neutrality of constitutional institutions. “Only by acting in such a manner can the Commission earn the respect it deserves,” he said.
Raising concerns over the nature of the lapse, Vijayan said the circulation of a document bearing the seal of a party ruling at the Centre could not be dismissed as a minor error.
He argued that such communications are subject to scrutiny at multiple levels and cannot be treated as an “accidental lapse”.
Referring to the Chief Electoral Officer’s statement that an inquiry would be conducted, Vijayan urged that the findings be made public to ensure transparency and accountability.
The controversy has drawn attention to the handling of official communications during the election period and the balance between institutional authority and freedom of expression.
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