By IANS,
Palakkad (Kerala) : Lathika Subhash of the Congress, who is Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan’s rival in the state assembly polls from Malampuzha constituency, Wednesday filed two complaints against the octogenarian leader for his alleged objectionable remarks against her.Subhash, 46, filed a complaint at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer here as well as with the first class judicial magistrate.
When asked about his opponent at a press conference Tuesday, Achuthanandan said everyone knew why Subhash was “famous”.
The state’s Chief Electoral Officer Nalini Netto directed the Palakkad district collector to submit a report on Subhash’s complaint.
Subhash also appeared before magistrate T.N. Varghese, and said the chief minister’s remark was tantamount to character assassination.
The magistrate said the court will directly inquire into the incident.
Reacting to Achuthanandan’s remark, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said the statement was not acceptable, “especially from a chief minister”.
However, Achuthanandan said that all he meant was that Subhash was known for her performance as a local body representative and a office-bearer of the Congress party.
“Now that she has lodged a case, we will see when the case comes up. I always have the highest regard and respect for women,” Achuthanandan told reporters in Kozhikode Wednesday evening.
Kerala goes to the polls April 13 to elect 140 legislators.