The Kerala State Election Commission has sought an explanation from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in connection with violation of the Model Code of Conduct over his recent announcement that the COVID-19 vaccine will be provided free of cost in Kerala, an official said.

Both BJP and Congress had filed complaints with the Election Commission alleging that Kerala Chief Minister had violated the Model Code of Conduct.

It was on November 12 that Pinarayi Vijayan made the announcement of the free COVID-19 vaccine, prior to the third phase of the local body polls in the state. The local body polls were concluded in three phases in Kerala. The votes will be counted on December 16.

Though the Kerala Chief Minister clarified that he had not made any violation, BJP and Congress reiterated that by making the announcement, Vijayan has violated the code of conduct.

We made it clear that it will be provided free of cost. There is no violation of any model code of conduct. It is something which is going on in this state and I have not violated any code of conduct," Vijayan told the media when asked about the Oppositions' allegation.

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