Shashi Tharoor denies reports on MP funds spending

Minister of Parliament Shashi Tharoor today denied reports that only 10 per cent of the MP's fund had been spent in his Thiruvananthapuram constituency for 2009-10 and claimed actual implementation was 85.14 per cent.

About 59 welfare and development projects are under various stages of completion in the constituency. Apart from this, Rs70 crore has been made available from Central Road Fund for developing roads in the state capital, he said.

Tharoor, a former UN diplomat, said a proposal to make Barcelona city in Spain the 'Twin-City' of Thiruvananthapuram had to be abandoned due to the "narrow political attitude" of the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government and also that of the City Corporation under LDF rule.

Representatives from Barcelona had come here three times and held discussions, he pointed out. Avenues were opened for co-operation for development in tourism, urban planning, ports and cultural exchange, he said.

However, the project could not be implemented due to lack of interest shown by the LDF in the state, he said.

'The agreement only required approval by Thiruvananthapuram City Corporation. But as a result of petty politics by Left dominated muncipal authorities, the agreement was allowed to lapse', he added.

On the demand for a high court bench in the state capital, Tharoor said he was still pursuing the matter with the Centre.