Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Tuesday came out in support of Chief Electoral Officer Teeka Ram Meena, who has been under fire from the CPI(M) for his report on bogus voting, and said the CEO was functioning within his legal framework.
Vijayan, in a press meet, said there are mechanisms in a democracy to counter the malpractices like bogus voting.
"Our democratic system is very secure. If there is any wrongdoing, there are mechanisms in our democracy to initiate action against such incidents," he said.
The CEO had on April 29 said that three women, including a panchayat member, had cast bogus votes in Kasargod constituency.
Rejecting the charge, CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan had criticised the CEO and alleged that Meena was acting in accordance with UDF's ploy.
"The Chief Electoral Officer has to take a stand as per his post and authority.
Why should we be worried about his actions?
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve hit your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories Online
Over 30 behind the paywall stories daily, handpicked by our editors for subscribers
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app