Rajeev Chandrasekhar sends notice to Shashi Tharoor in cash-for-vote row

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Union minister and BJP candidate for Thiruvananthapuram Rajeev Chandrasekhar has issued a legal notice to sitting MP Shashi Tharoor for levelling cash-for-vote allegations against him.

Chandrasekhar, who expressed shock over the allegations made by Tharoor on a television show, demanded that he withdraw his statement and tender an unconditional apology. The notice said Tharoor made the statements "with an intent to harm" Chandrasekhar. "It emphasises how such defamatory statements have harmed and disrespected the entire Christian community of Thiruvananthapuram and its leaders by accusing them of engaging in cash-for-vote activities, further highlighting the need for a public apology within 24 hours," it said.

The notice added, "It is apprehended that you have concocted these allegations in order to influence voters. It is feared that you have engaged in spreading such false news to subvert the process of free and fair elections. "