“A Hindu MLA — neither the Left nor the Right has fielded one. Guruvayur is an international pilgrimage centre — yet why isn’t there a Hindu MLA?

When a candidate asks, “Why is there no Hindu MLA in Guruvayur?”, it may sound like a simple political question. 

Kerala BJP vice president and Guruvayur candidate B Gopalakrishnan went a step further and said more problematic things. 

"I have been summoned by Guruvayur Appan to release his land from this half-century-long imprisonment under temple looters and opposers. You all should stand with me, Namaskaram."

Under India’s election rules, all these statements cross a clear line. And so they are potential violations of the model code of conduct, or MCC. 

Let me explain.

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