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ShareNew Delhi: Minister of state for external affairs Shashi Tharoor has 'tweeted' a cleverly-worded apology, for his "cattle class" remarkfrom Liberia where he is on official tour. Though the Congress had, on Wednesday, said it was up to the party high command to take disciplinary action against Tharoor, Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot sought Tharoor's resignation on Friday, saying it was unbecoming of him to make such "irresponsible" comments.
Congress spokesperson Manish Tiwari said, "Obviously when you have statements like this, there are bound to be reactions. The Congress condemns what the minister has said. An appropriate action will be taken at the appropriate time."
Tharoor's midnight apology was virtually shrouded with contempt for those who disapproved of his remark. "Learned belatedly of fuss over my tweet replying to journo's query whether I would travel to Kerala in 'cattle class' (sic). It is silly expression but meant no disrespect to economy travellers, only to airlines for herding us in like cattle. Many have misunderstood." He added, "I am told it (cattle class) sounds worse in Malayalam, especially out of context. To those hurt by the belief that my repeating the phrase showed contempt: sorry."
"I now realise I shouldn't assume people will appreciate humour. And you shouldn't give those who would wilfully distort your words an opportunity to do so," he said. "Holy cows are not individuals but sacrosanct issues or principles no one dares challenge. Wish critics would look it up. My experience tells me facts are stranger than fiction!"
He got support from his Twitter 'fans'. "Don't let Jayanti Natarajan or any of the holy cows stop u 4m twittering. U called a spade a spade sans hypocrisy (sic)," said one. "English humor + outdated Indian political spokesmen is a dangerous combo. Avoid them! We Indians are with you," said another.
