Fiji's National Federation Party has filed a complaint with the police against the Labour party leader, Mahendra Chaudhry, saying his comments have caused tension which could explode into violence in today's by-election for the Tavua Open seat.
Mr Chaudhry has publicly compared the NFP leader, Prem Singh, to a howling and barking dog in his criticism of Labour and fit only for debate with Mr Chaudhry's dog.
Mr Chaudhry has stood by his comments and refused to retract them.
The Fiji Times quotes the assistant general secretary of the NFP, Kamal Iyer, as saying the remarks have caused great tension among party supporters in Tavua and other parts of the country.
Mr Iyer says their supports could react violently at the insult hurled at the party leader, NFP members and the Indo-Fijian community.
Mr Iyer has urged Mr Chaudhry and his associates to avoid contact with the public in Tavua where 18,000 voters are going to the polls today to elect a new member of parliament.
Police have increased security in the constituency by bringing in extra officers but say they will not meddle in political mudslinging.
