Sabarimala row a constitutional issue, says BJP gen secy Rao

BJP national general secretary Muralidhar Rao Wednesday criticised Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Teeka Ram Meena's directive not to use the Sabarimala temple row in the coming Lok Sabha polls, saying it was not just a matter of religion but a "Constitutional issue".

"Sabarimala issue is the issue of the public and it is a matter related to human rights and fundamental rights," he told reporters here on the sidelines of a programme organised by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM).

He was replying to a question on the raging controversy over the state CEO's directive to the political parties when the general elections were just weeks away.

"...its is constitutional issue and not just a religious matter..it is becoming part of the discussion and discussion is there..," he said.

When pointed out that the issue of Ayodhya and Babri Masjid had been mentioned by leaders during the time of polls, the BJP leader said it was part of public discourse.

"If anybody mentions, how can we stop? It is not one political party which is talking about it..but every party has its own perspective and talking about the matter..public is also participating in the discussion...

that's called democracy," he said.

Meena had Monday said "inviting religious feelings, using any kind of Supreme Court judgement, invoking or soliciting the votes in the name of religion or by inciting religious feelings is a clear violation of the model code of conduct."
Rao said the grand alliance by the opposition parties against the BJP would not be able to offer a "stable, development-centric and corruption-free government."