Kerala Home Minister files petition against Achuthanandan

Thiruvananthapuram: Close on the heels of CM Ommen Chandy, Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala today filed a petition before Chief Electoral Officer seeking action against CPI-M veteran V S Achuthanandan for making "false and defamatory" statements against him during the ongoing campaigning for the May 16 Assembly elections.

Chennithala in his petition submitted that the CPI-M leader's "baseless" allegation about corruption cases against him amounted to breach of code of conduct, election officials said.

There was no basis for the allegation, he claimed, adding the charge had been made to create misunderstanding among voters and also amounted to character assassination by Achuthanandan, who is contesting from Malampuzha segment.

Chennithala sought action as per law against the CPI(M) leader for making "false" statements.

Chandy had earlier this week filed a complaint with the Election Commission seeking action against Achuthanandan for his "defamatory remark" against him over corruption cases.

Besides, Chandy has also moved a court here by filing a defamation suit against the leader, seeking Rs one lakh compensation.