Thiruvananthapuram: Union Minister of State for Information Technology & Electronics Rajeev Chandrasekhar has filed a defamation case against Congress MP and his rival in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls Shashi Tharoor.
In his legal notice to Tharoor, Chandrasekhar has accused Tharoor of making defamatory statements against the BJP leader on a TV channel recently.
“I think Shashi Tharoor, in his desperation, has flung a lot of allegations at me. One of the allegations is that I am paying money for votes. I have said very clearly that I will not be drawn into this negative type of politics. However, if anybody defames me and attempts to trespass into an area by telling lies about me, I will certainly not be quiet. I will certainly use all the tools under the law to ensure that that person is held accountable,” Chandrasekhar told ANI.
#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: On the legal notice to his Congress counterpart, Shashi Tharoor, for defamation, Union Minister and BJP candidate from Thiruvananthapuram, Rajeev Chandrasekhar says, “I think Shashi Tharoor, in his desperation, has flung a lot of allegations… pic.twitter.com/NR6W3Ppduh
— ANI (@ANI) April 10, 2024
Chandrasekhar has alleged that Tharoor, UDF’s candidate against him, disseminated “patently false information” regarding bribing of key voters and influential figures such as parish priests, among others, reported PTI.
Chandrasekhar has claimed in the notice that Tharoor’s statements were made with an intent to harm the Union minister’s reputation and image, and that his comments also disrespected the entire Christian community of Thiruvananthapuram and its leaders.
Chandrasekhar has further contended that Tharoor’s statements were in violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
Seeking immediate withdrawal of all allegations made against Chandrashekhar on April 6, the notice has sought an unconditional public apology from Tharoor in print and electronic media and to “cease, refrain and desist from defaming, harassing, hampering the reputation” of the minister in the future.
Failure to comply with the stated demands within 24 hours of receipt of the notice will lead to initiation of appropriate criminal and civil proceedings in a competent court of law, the notice warned Tharoor.
