Tharoor's Taunt on Austerity Angers Congress


New Delhi, Sep 16 (IANS) The Congress Wednesday said Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor's remarks that he would travel in "cattle class out of solidarity with all our holy cows" were not acceptable and the party high command may also decide if any disciplinary action is to be taken against him.

"The party strongly disapproves the statement of the minister. It is unacceptable, not respecting political or any other sensibilities," said Congress spokesperson Jayanthi Natarajan.

On his page on the micro-blogging site Twitter, Tharoor was asked, "Tell us minister, next time you travel to Kerala, will it be cattle class?" His reply: "Absolutely, in cattle class out of solidarity with all our holy cows."

Asked whether any disciplinary action would be taken against the former UN diplomat, the spokesperson said: "This is something that the high command will decide."

The Congress and the government it leads have launched an austerity drive against the backdrop of drought in some parts of the country and rising prices of essential commodities.

Tharoor as well as External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna were asked earlier this month to move out of five-star hotels where they had been staying for over three months - though at their own expense.

Tharoor, who was staying at the Hotel Taj Mahal on Man Singh Road, is now staying at an Indian Navy guesthouse.

  

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Comment on this article

  • prakash, mlore

    Thu, Sep 17 2009

    The Austerity drive is good initiative by congress,its appriciated in this difficult times with drought.Its sad that media also follows so vigoursly that this may lead to unconviance to public.Whats the point in Rahuls or any other politician travel in train with all security quarters,surely it will cause hindrence to the others,better to go by flight if not buisness but economy.

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  • Jerome, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 16 2009

    Congress is making mockery in the name of austerity.Why Rahul''s train journey to be given high publicity.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • mcshetty, Bangalore/Sharjah

    Wed, Sep 16 2009

    Why big issue it is ligher side of a serious politician!!

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • DBhatt, Mangalore/USA

    Wed, Sep 16 2009

    Actually it is very funny comment.. Mr. Tharoor has already been following the rules -staying at his own expense. Which minister would do that?

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Bulsam, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 16 2009

    It was an inocent answer as agreeing to the question, to the question by a blogger which says "Tell us minister, next time you travel to Kerala, will it be cattle class?" It was not the comment of his choice & don''t make it a big issue.

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Title: Tharoor's Taunt on Austerity Angers Congress



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