A Kerala election clerical error mistakenly distributed a BJP-sealed document, but the process remains secure ahead of April 9 polls.

A clerical error in Kerala led to a 2019 Election Commission document bearing the BJP’s seal being mistakenly distributed to political parties, prompting criticism from opposition parties over potential bias. The Kerala Chief Electoral Officer suspended an Assistant Section Officer involved, attributing the mistake to an oversight when a photocopy submitted by the BJP with its seal was redistributed without review. The error was promptly corrected on March 21, with a withdrawal notice issued and updated guidelines shared. The CEO’s office confirmed the electoral process remains secure and independent ahead of the April 9, 2026, Assembly elections in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry.