Shashi Tharoor files complaint against CPM's Vijayakumar for defamation

Thiruvananthaparam: UDF candidate from Thiruvananthapuram parliamentary constituency Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday filed a complaint with Chief Electoral Officer against CPM leader M. Vijayakumar for making an alleged defamatory statement against him.

In a petition to CEO, Tharoor alleged that all Malayalam channels on Tuesday were airing a statement by Vijayakumar to the effect that “Shashi Tharoor has a doctorate in violence against women.” This was not only outrageous falsehood but also defamatory and a violation of model code of conduct, he said.

The former minister made the remark while speaking at a function held in connection with the inauguration of the election office of LDF candidate Dr Bennet Abraham.
In his complaint, Tharoor also alleged that in many parts of the constituency flex boards had been placed by BJP Mahila Morcha showing a cutout of his garlanded by footwear. CPI MLA V.S. Sunil Kumar on a live show had accused him of murdering his wife. These were instances of vilification and defamation being deliberately carried out to portray him as someone who harmed women, the UDF candidate said.

Tharoor urged the election observers in the constituency to pay attention to the conduct, behaviour and speeches of his opponents especially those of LDF and BJP .