EC censures Tharoor over ‘unsubstantiated’ charge against rival.
The Election Commission has reprimanded Congress leader Shashi Tharoor for violating the model code by levelling “unsubstantiated” allegations against his BJP rival, Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
Tharoor reportedly alleged during an interview that Chandrasekhar offered money to voters and religious leaders in exchange for votes. However, in his explanation to EC, Tharoor denied naming Chandrasekhar or BJP and termed it a “general observation”.
The EC found Tharoor’s response untenable as the remarks in context pointed towards Chandrasekhar. It also noted the absence of any proof to back the “unwarranted statements”.
The channel airing the interview was also asked not to broadcast the impugned part and remove it from other platforms till MCC is lifted.
Meanwhile, Chandrasekhar welcomed EC’s action, calling it a fitting reply to the “smear campaign” unleashed. He accused UDF & LDF of diverting attention from development issues.
Separately, The EC removed an official from the post of presiding officer for distributing leaflets bearing his name with political content favouring a party. His department head was asked to take action.
The censures come amid tight polling in Thiruvananthapuram, with top leaders pulling out all stops to woo voters.
