The reputation of the faction-ridden Congress in Tamil Nadu came under a cloud once again on Saturday with an FIR filed against TNCC president E.V.K.S. Elangovan alleging harassment of women, following complaints from supporters of party MLA and State Mahila Congress chief S. Vijayadharani.
In an apparent retaliation, a Mahila Congress member, flanked by Mr. Elangovan’s supporters, accused the MLA of verbally abusing her using her caste name, leading to a case under the Prevention of Atrocities against SC/ST Act being booked on Ms. Vijayadharani. Anna Salai Police said vice presidents of the State Mahila Congress—Shantha Shri and Manasa—filed the complaints on behalf of Ms. Vijayadharini against Mr. Elangovan and two others. They accused the former Union Minister of attempting to molest the women.
Sources said the complaint detailed the showdown between the two leaders on Friday over the issue of a hoarding put up by Ms. Vijayadharini that was pulled down by a few cadres and dumped in the Satyamurthi Bhavan’s restroom.
The complaint alleged that Mr. Elangovan had verbally abused Ms. Vijayadharini using “filthy language” and threatened her. The police filed several cases, including under Section 354 for using force to outrage the modesty of woman and 506 (1) for criminal intimidation on Mr. Elangovan.
Vijayadharani supporters accuse him of harassing women
