Kannur (Kerala): Senior CPM leader P K Sreemathi stated on Friday that a mere apology would not suffice, announcing her intention to file a defamation suit against those responsible for a campaign falsely alleging that she was drawing a family pension in the name of a former legislator.

The controversy erupted after online news portals, citing alleged RTI documents, claimed that Sreemathi was receiving a family pension under the name of P R Krishnan, a late MLA.

However, P R Krishnan’s family clarified on Thursday that the actual pension recipient was his widow, who also happened to be named P K Sreemathi, and that the allegations against the CPM leader might have originated from a case of shared names. Krishnan, a Congress leader, served as a member of the Travancore-Cochin Legislative Assembly between 1954 and 1956.

Speaking to journalists here on Friday, the former minister said the false campaign had inflicted severe personal distress and tarnished her public reputation.

"Now, my family members and friends are asking me what the truth is, and I am being forced into a position where I cannot even answer them properly. No family should be subjected to such distress because of false reports," she said.

Sreemathi noted that she had submitted formal complaints to Chief Minister V D Satheesan, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, the State Police Chief, and the Kerala Women’s Commission.

"These are only the initial complaints. I have now decided to initiate legal proceedings. My lawyer is preparing a defamation suit to address the severe public humiliation and damage caused to my reputation," she said.

When asked if the matter would end if those who circulated the claims issued an apology, Sreemathi insisted that an apology was insufficient.

"There is no question of accepting an apology. In the past, I may have accepted apologies in similar situations, but not this time. A young woman called me and apologised. I told her my decision was final. Whoever made the mistake, legal action should proceed so that no other woman, irrespective of political affiliation, has to undergo such an experience," she said.

Sreemathi confirmed that her legal counsel is drafting the formal notice and that the defamation suit will be lodged before a competent court shortly. She added that political leaders across party lines had extended solidarity following the controversy.

According to her, Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan phoned her directly to state he had instructed those responsible to issue an immediate retraction. She also mentioned receiving calls from Congress leader Palode Ravi, as well as several other leaders across political lines, including the BJP, who expressed surprise and support over the incident.

PTI