An Indian-origin Labor MP has accused the Liverpool mayor of defaming her, as police were called to a tense clash between polling stations during a heated by-election campaign.Charishma Kalianda said her safety was put at risk after her home address was shared in a social media post linked to a local political dispute.“I understand the mayor made a post on social media last night advertising my home address,” Kalianda said, according to Australia Today.“Having my home address published by a political opponent is completely unacceptable. This is not just a political tactic, it is potentially criminal behavior.”She warned that the incident had serious implications that went beyond politics: “It puts my safety and the safety of those around me at serious risk… No one should feel unsafe in their home because of their work in public service.”According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the post was shared by Liverpool Mayor Ned Manon and later shared by many, including Liberal councilor and South Ward candidate Richard Ammon.Menon later deleted the original video and uploaded an edited version with sensitive details removed. In response to the backlash, he said: “I’m sorry for publishing a publicly available document.”This dispute comes as campaigning intensifies ahead of the Liverpool City Council by-elections.
Tensions extended to the pre-poll center at the Kasola Community Centre, where police were called after a verbal altercation between the candidates.Independent candidate Jamal Dawoud said that the dispute escalated after he was questioned about allegations related to the council’s affairs. Ammon denied any wrongdoing and said he was dealing with misleading information.Kalianda condemned this behavior, saying: “This behavior crosses clear limits.
“It is dangerous, unacceptable, and unworthy of holding public office.”NSW Police attended the scene after being contacted by an election worker, but later described the incident as a civil matter, and no further action was taken.The by-election was held after Deputy Mayor Betty Green resigned earlier this year, and tens of thousands of residents are expected to cast their votes.
