Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister and BJP leader, has issued a legal defamation notice to Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, his electoral opponent in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. This move comes after Tharoor allegedly made defamatory statements against Chandrasekhar regarding bribery of key voters and influential figures like parish priests.
In response, Shashi Tharoor has denied making any false and malicious imputations against the minister, either knowingly or unknowingly. Tharoor’s lawyer emphasized that his client is not responsible for any other versions of the program or any post-production changes that might have occurred. Tharoor has demanded Chandrasekhar to withdraw his statements and issue an apology, warning of legal action if the minister continues with the allegations.
Tharoor’s lawyer stated, “Your client is cooking up controversies to deflect people’s attention from his shortcomings and insufficiencies and to mislead their attention to couched up controversies, in his desperate bid to cause a dent on the popularity and acceptability of my client.” The lawyer also mentioned that civil action would be taken against Chandrasekhar for making “malicious allegations.”
“If your client ignores the demands of this notice and continues with his efforts and attempts to defame my client by raising false and fraudulent allegations and accusations against him, my client will be constrained to prosecute your client for the offence punishable under Sections 500, 171G and 211 of Indian Penal Code,” the statement read.
On the other hand, Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s legal notice to Shashi Tharoor accused the Congress MP of disseminating “patently false information” regarding the alleged bribing of voters and influential figures in Thiruvananthapuram. Chandrasekhar claimed that Tharoor’s statements were made with an intent to harm his reputation and image.
The legal notice stated, “Shocked and surprised to watch the news video dated 06.04.2024 on a Malayalam news channel named 24 News, wherein you, the Noticee (Shashi Tharoor), made defamatory statements alleging that Our Client (Rajeev Chandrasekhar) had indulged in illegal activities of offering money to voters and that Our Client is spreading lies in Christian communities.”
Chandrasekhar also addressed Tharoor’s allegations, stating that he will not be drawn into such politics and emphasized his intent to hold accountable anyone who lies about him. He concluded by asserting his intention to use legal means to ensure accountability.
The ongoing legal dispute between the two political figures highlights the intensity of the electoral battle in Thiruvananthapuram, with both sides vehemently defending their positions.
