The Election Commission has directed Ernakulam district collector to submit a report on a recent circular issued by the Catholic Church,which had given voting guidelines to the laity in elections to the local bodies.
State Election Commissioner P Kamalkutty said he has asked the collector to submit a report on the circular issued by the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council KCBC. The commission has received complaints against the circular and,if required,a detailed inquiry would be held,he said.
KCBC had warned the flock against the proxy candidates fielded by mainstream parties and hinted they should not vote for an atheist.
In an indirect attack on CPM,KCBC said Independents would show their true political leanings after winning the election. It has been a CPM practice to field independents to win seats,which were normally tough in a political battle.
Reacting to the EC move,KCBC spokesman Fr Stephen Alathara said the church body had not given a call to vote for any particular party.