The Kerala High Court ruled that the election petition challenging Union Minister Suresh Gopi’s victory from Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency is maintainable and will proceed to trial. Gopi, who secured a historic win in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls from Thrissur, faced objections to the petition alleging corrupt electoral practices, which the court rejected.
Justice Kauser Edappagath stated that the preliminary objections raised by Gopi were deemed insufficient, and the election petition will not be dismissed. While one specific allegation regarding the distribution of umbrellas in public places was struck off due to procedural grounds, Gopi will still face trial on other allegations of corrupt practices.
The petition, filed by A.S. Binoy, district president of the AIYF in Thrissur, aims to invalidate Gopi’s election under the Representation of the People Act. It accuses Gopi of engaging in various electoral malpractices during the 2024 Lok Sabha campaign, including attempting to influence voters through religious sentiments and imagery in campaign materials.
Allegations include the use of flex boards depicting Gopi with religious figures, campaign messaging with religious appeals, and speeches by BJP leaders encouraging voters to consider religious factors. The petitioner also claims that voters were promised benefits during the Model Code of Conduct period, with instances publicized on social media platforms linked to BJP Thrissur.
Gopi, who won by a significant margin in 2024 and currently serves as Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, will now face a detailed trial following the High Court’s decision.
