In a significant move, the Kerala High Court has praised the Election Commission for maintaining a visually clean and disciplined election campaign in the state. Justice Devan Ramachandran, hearing the case of Rahul K.T vs St. Stephen’s Malankara Catholic Church & Others, acknowledged the commendable efforts after the amicus curiae highlighted the reduction in campaign clutter like boards and flags during the elections that ended on April 9.
The court emphasized the crucial role played by the strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct in controlling the excessive display of campaign materials, a common issue in previous elections. While appreciating this positive change, the court postponed addressing other pending matters due to time constraints, scheduling them for after the court vacation.
Noteworthy shifts in campaign strategies have been observed on the ground, such as in Puthuppally where Congress candidate Chandy Oommen, son of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, opted for a modest, people-centric campaign by avoiding flex boards. His approach, including cycling through the constituency to engage with voters, resonated well and garnered attention on social media. The campaign gained further momentum when senior party leader Rahul Gandhi joined Oommen on a bicycle, emphasizing simplicity and accessibility.
Oommen disclosed a campaign expenditure of approximately Rs 20 lakh, highlighting the effectiveness of a frugal and compliant election campaign. The recent commendation follows the state’s election on April 9 to elect 140 new legislators, indicating a potential shift towards a political culture in Kerala that values moderation, civic duty, and adherence to electoral standards.
