Kerala: Teenager assaulted for leaning on BJP poster, Shashi Tharoor stands up

Kerala: Shashi Tharoor, a Member of Parliament from Thiruvananthapuram, extended support to a 14-year-old boy who was reportedly assaulted by individuals associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The incident occurred when the boy leaned on a poster featuring Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the BJP's candidate from Thiruvananthapuram.

Tharoor expressed shock at the incident and emphasized the importance of ensuring safety and freedom for every citizen. He personally reached out to the boy and asked him to lean on his own poster without any fear. Tharoor shared photos on social media platforms with the caption, "I went to commiserate with the boy and his father and invite him to lean on my posters without fear…"

Shocking news of a 14-year-old boy, Mayakrishnan Ramji, being beaten up in Kalady by BJP goons for leaning on a poster of the BJP Thiruvananthapuram candidate! I went to commiserate with the boy and his father and invite him to lean on my posters without fear… pic.twitter.com/njZ9ezBS6f

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) March 20, 2024

The altercation was captured on CCTV footage. The incident occurred as the boy leaned against a wall adorned with a poster of Rajeev Chandrasekhar outside his rented accommodation. Following the incident, Tharoor condemned the use of violence in politics and urged for a peaceful electoral process.

Tharoor lashes on CPI 

As the electoral battle intensified in Thiruvananthapuram, Tharoor criticized the Communist Party of India (CPI) for fielding a candidate against him. He stated that it might inadvertently benefit the BJP. He raised concerns over opposition unity and accused the CPI of undermining his campaign efforts.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar's criticized Tharoor

Responding to Tharoor's remarks, Rajeev Chandrasekhar underscored the need to focus on developmental issues rather than diverting attention to identity politics. He criticized Tharoor and the Left party for allegedly politicizing issues such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to sway minority votes.

Chandrasekhar said, "He and the Left are more interested in fighting for minority votes. And so they are distorting what CAA is to scare one community of Kerala."