Thiruvananthapuram, April 4 (IANS) After his convoy was allegedly blocked and a member of his security team assaulted in Kerala’s Malappuram district, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said that he was safe and expressed gratitude for the concern shown by supporters.

Taking to X, Tharoor said: “Truly touched by all the messages and calls expressing concern about the untoward incident last night when my security guard was attacked. He is well and I was untouched. Thank you to all friends and well-wishers. We carried on undaunted yesterday and concluded two more events as planned. And our ongoing programme remains unaffected.”

According to police, the incident took place near the Chellithode bridge at Thiruvali in Wandoor at around 7.30 pm. Tharoor was travelling to attend an election campaign event of Congress leader A.P. Anilkumar when his convoy was stopped near the bridge.

A video from the site showed the senior Congress leader seated in the front seat of his vehicle while a group of men gathered around, with some of them shouting slogans.

The 70-year-old leader confirmed the incident in his post on Saturday morning. Based on a complaint filed by his security personnel, Wandoor police registered a case, detained suspects, and seized two vehicles linked to the incident.

Police said the case was registered at Wandoor Police Station following a complaint by Tharoor’s gunman, Ratheesh K.P. One person has been taken into custody so far, and further investigation is underway.

Kerala is set to vote in a single phase on April 9. The counting of votes for the 140-member Assembly will take place on May 4. The current Assembly’s term will end on May 23.

The state has approximately 2.70 crore electors, including 1.31 crore male voters, 1.38 crore female voters, and 277 voters from the third gender.

The upcoming elections are considered crucial for the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), as Kerala remains the only state in India currently governed by the Left. The state, known for its alternating political trends between the LDF and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), is also witnessing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerging as a significant challenger, with its vote share rising substantially in recent elections.

–IANS

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