The complaint was lodged against Gaurav Kumar at the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Alappuzha, according to a statement issued by the party on Sunday.

In his complaint, Venugopal, who is also the Alappuzha MP, said the allegations were timed with clear electoral motives to tarnish his reputation and public image. He noted that while the claims relate to the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections, they emerged only in 2026, raising questions over their intent and timing.

The Congress leader further alleged that Kumar had publicised the claims through press conferences and circulated them widely via media and social media platforms. Venugopal added that a complaint regarding the matter had already been submitted to the state police chief on 23 February 2026.

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Venugopal described the allegations as part of a "well-planned conspiracy" aimed at influencing the 9 April Assembly polls in Kerala and preventing the United Democratic Front (UDF) from coming to power. He claimed the accusations were intended to undermine the credibility he has built over years of public service.

The defamation case has been filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita after Kumar failed to respond to a legal notice or retract the allegations.

The development follows the recent registration of an FIR by the Delhi police in connection with an alleged "ticket-for-money" case involving individuals linked to the Congress. According to police, the case originated from a complaint by a Haryana-based man, who alleged he was asked to pay large sums to secure an election ticket for his wife, with payments made via multiple bank accounts and cash.

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Authorities said the investigation is ongoing to verify the claims and trace the financial transactions, including bank transfers and cash exchanges.